Directed by David Leitch The Fall Guy stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in the lead roles and is scheduled to premiere early next month. The film is based on Glen A. Larson’s book of the same name and features Gosling as Colt Seavers, an aging action stuntman.
While promoting the film, director David Leitch spoke about the Academy Awards and their lack of recognition for stunts. As a result, Leitch suggested that the Oscars introduce a new category to honor the extraordinary work stuntmen do in Hollywood. Meanwhile, despite being ineligible for the category both Blunt and Gosling extended their support to the idea of a new category.
The Fall Guy Director David Leitch Endorses New Oscar Category For Stunts
The Fall Guy explores the perils of a stuntman’s life through Ryan Gosling’s Colt Seavers. The film is directed by David Leitch, who previously worked as a stunt performer and stunt coordinator before becoming a director with 2014’s John Wick, although he remained uncredited for his work.
During The Fall Guy‘s premiere red carpet event at the SXSW Film Festival, Leitch expressed his thoughts on the lack of recognition of stunt work from the Academy. While speaking with ScreenRant at the premiere, Letich spoke about the issue. He said:
“No, we’re long overdue, but we helped produce that spot and internally, what is happening in the academy is we’re making a lot of headway.”
Leitch noted that the stunt community within the Academy was working to get a new category added so stunt workers could get the recognition they deserve. The director cited the Best Casting category, which will be soon added to the Oscars as an example, and exclaimed that necessary steps were being taken behind the scenes to have a stunts category at the Oscars.
The Fall Guy‘s Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling Support Best Stunts Oscar Category
Despite being ineligible for the proposed new category, The Fall Guy stars Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling lent their support for stunt work receiving its due acknowledgment at the Oscars. While speaking at the same event, Gosling praised the work of action designers.
“They’ve created some of the most iconic scenes in movies, so much of what we love from a film is what they do.”
Gosling made the above statement while speaking with ScreenRant Plus. Similarly, his co-star, Blunt, also shared her views on the lack of recognition for stunt work from the Academy. The actress said the following on the red carpet:
“They do it selflessly, effortlessly, and their bodies are broken for us to cheer. They’re amazing. They’re some of my favorite people on a film set.”
Gosling and Blunt’s words make it evident that the actors understand the hard work and effort action designers, stunt coordinators, and stunt performers put into a project.
Therefore, as Leitch exclaimed, a new category specially dedicated to honoring the work of stunt professionals was long overdue at the Oscars. Therefore, it remains to be seen what steps the Academy will take regarding the proposed new category.
The Fall Guy is slated to be released theatrically on May 3, 2024.
