The most dangerous award - Today, Explained

Summary

Today, Explained – The Most Dangerous Award

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King

Introduction

In the April 25, 2025 episode of Today, Explained, the Vox team delves into a significant development in Hollywood—the introduction of a new Academy Award category: Best Stunt Design. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King explore the implications of this addition, the historical context of stunt work in cinema, and the ongoing efforts to secure recognition for stunt professionals who have long operated behind the scenes.

The Historical Role of Stunt Performers

Bilga Abiri opens the discussion by highlighting the enduring relevance of the Oscars and the surprising news of including stunt design as a new category.

Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick series, provides a historical perspective:
“Stunt people were here before the movie stars were, like stunts built Hollywood. And the idea that over the years they never quite got their due just seemed to be such a miscarriage of justice.” ([00:15])

He emphasizes that early cinema relied heavily on stunt performers, many of whom remained anonymous despite their crucial contributions. Stahelski mentions iconic figures like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, whose physical performances were foundational to their success: “Charlie Chaplin would also count. So much of his slapstick comedy is predicated on stunt work.” ([02:16])

The Fight for Recognition

The conversation shifts to the efforts undertaken to secure an Oscar for stunt design. Stahelski recounts the pivotal role of Jack Gill, a legendary stunt coordinator:
“The real movement for it begins in 1991. Jack Gill begins to advocate for a stunt Oscar... over the years, doors just shut in his face.” ([05:28])

Despite initial openness, the Academy resisted adding new categories, citing concerns like the ceremony's length and the belief that stunt work was too technical and lacked the glamour associated with other Oscar categories.

Concerns and Challenges

Bilga Abiri raises an important concern:
“Is there also an issue with the very work being rewarded here? The fact that it's dangerous to do these stunts could be a deterrent.” ([07:09])

Stahelski acknowledges this risk:
“Some folks in the Academy felt that if you gave an Oscar for stunts, stunt people would start hurting themselves trying to create more elaborate stunts.” ([07:17])

Zoe Bell, a renowned stunt performer, adds:
“Safety is key... As we evolve inherently, the risk goes up across the board because we're always pushing and always breaking boundaries.” ([08:47])

Industry Perspectives

The episode features insights from key industry figures:

Chad Stahelski emphasizes the collaborative nature of stunt work and its evolution towards greater safety:
“The more focused we've become on stunts, the safer they've gotten.” ([09:48])
Ryan Reynolds highlights the balance between creativity and safety in stunts:
“We're not out there to win an award for who's toughest. We're out there to win an award to who wows the audience.” ([09:32])
Zoe Bell speaks about the validation and recognition stunt performers receive:
“It's a deep sense of validation for her entire career and her entire family and the generations.” ([17:22])

The Future of the Stunt Oscar

As advocacy grows, the inclusion of stunt design in the Oscars gains momentum. Stahelski discusses the logistical challenges of awarding a collaborative field: “Will it go to one person or be shared among multiple coordinators? It’s a collaborative effort.” ([15:34])

The first Best Stunt Design Oscar is anticipated for the 2028 ceremony, recognizing films released in 2027. Speculation arises about potential recipients, with humorous mentions of Tom Cruise, though it’s acknowledged that specific performers won’t be eligible until later.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Best Stunt Design category signifies a long-overdue recognition of stunt professionals' vital contributions to filmmaking. With support from influential filmmakers and actors, stunts are finally poised to receive the acknowledgment they deserve at the Oscars, fostering greater appreciation and encouraging the continued evolution of safe and innovative stunt work.

Notable Quotes:

Chad Stahelski ([00:15]): “Stunt people were here before the movie stars were, like stunts built Hollywood.”
Chad Stahelski ([02:16]): “Charlie Chaplin... so much of his slapstick comedy is predicated on stunt work.”
Chad Stahelski ([05:28]): “Jack Gill begins to advocate for a stunt Oscar... doors just shut in his face.”
Chad Stahelski ([07:17]): “Stunt people would start hurting themselves trying to create more elaborate stunts.”
Zoe Bell ([08:47]): “Safety is key... As we evolve inherently, the risk goes up.”
Ryan Reynolds ([09:32]): “We're out there to win an award to who wows the audience.”
Zoe Bell ([17:22]): “It's a deep sense of validation for her entire career and her family.”

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. It highlights the key discussions, insights, and conclusions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

Transcript

Bilga Abiri (0:00)

The Oscars are so last month and yet they're still making news. This week, a new rule. Members gotta watch the movies before they vote. Big yikes. But earlier this month, a new category, Best stunt design.

Chad Stahelski (0:15)

It's almost like an issue of justice, kind of like justice for stunts, like for the work that they do and the fact that they don't really get credited the way that a lot of other people in the film industry do with Oscars and industry awards and things like that. But for me, as a film critic and a cinephile and also someone who's studied film history, the stunt people were here before the movie stars were like stunts built Hollywood. And the idea that over the years they never quite got their due just seemed to be such a miscarriage of justice.

Bilga Abiri (0:52)

Justice for Stuntin on Today explained.

Chad Stahelski (1:00)

Right now the Home Depot has spring deals under $20. So what are you working on? If you're planning on cooking out this season, head to the Home Depot so you can fire up the grill with deals on charcoal. Right now, get two 16 pound bags of Kingsford Charcoal for only $17.88 plus $19.98. Don't miss spring deals under $20. Now through May 7th at the home Depot. Subject to availability valid on select items only.

Ryan Reynolds (1:29)

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try.

Chad Stahelski (1:48)

@Mintmobile.Com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month. Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com.

Bilga Abiri (2:06)

Bilga Abiri says an Oscar for stunt design is justice for all those stunt people who never got their due. We asked him who the first stunt people in Hollywood were.

Chad Stahelski (2:16)

I mean, in many ways we don't even know really very often the people that appeared in, you know, some of the early silents, they were anonymous in so many cases. But you know, if you look at somebody like I'm, obviously he's a, he was a star, but you look at someone like Buster Keaton or Harold Lloyd, I mean, these people were stars, but, but they were renowned for their stunts, for the incredible pratfalls. And this is before we had terms like stunt coordinator or stunt designer or action designer. These guys did all that stuff and they Starred in and often wrote the films. And Charlie Chaplin would also count. You know, Charlie Chaplin, I mean, obviously was a comedian and a great actor, but so much of his slapstick comedy is predicated on stunt work.