As ‘The Fall Guy’ Wins SAG Action Ensemble, Stunt Community Feels Hollywood Is Elevating the Craft More Than Ever
“The Fall Guy” has won the SAG Award for outstanding action performance by a stunt ensemble in a motion picture, while “Shogun” won on the TV side.
Hollywood is seeing an elevation of stunts and a new level of respect for the community. Despite the awards being handed out during the pre-show — they are not part of the main ceremony — Stuntmen Association president Jeff Wolfe isn’t fazed by that. Speaking with Variety, he said, “It feels we’re in a place of feeling a little more grateful and mutually respected, as opposed to having to fight and be against something.”
Overall, it’s been a great year for the stunt community. In 2024, the Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America approved the first-ever credit of “stunt designer.” The title was used on David Leitch’s “The Fall Guy” with veteran stunt coordinator, second unit director and president of Stunts Unlimited Chris O’Hara receiving the inaugural film credit. “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling as stuntman Colt Seavers, was inspired by the 1980s hit TV series of the same name and paid homage to the world of stunts.
“It’s pretty amazing at this point, to not be something that just adds to it, but that is actually the focal point of the film,” said Wolfe. “It’s only a matter of time before it shows up at the Oscars.”
Said Leitch, “It’s fantastic to see ‘The Fall Guy’ garnering recognition! It’s a film that clearly celebrates the often-unsung heroes of filmmaking – stunt performers. Their work is integral to creating those thrilling movie moments we all love, and it’s always incredibly wonderful and personal to me to see them celebrated.”
Both the Television Academy and the Critics Choice Association hand out awards for stunts. The Oscars have slated a casting category Oscar set to be awarded for the first time in 2026. There is hope that stunts will soon be incorporated.
“I’ve seen a change, and that’s finally coming to light — the respect of the Academy and what they do, and working together as a team,” Wolfe said. “I feel like now more than ever there’s a great opportunity for recognition. Whether it’s overdue or not, I feel like we’re closer than ever.”
In film, “The Fall Guy” was nominated alongside “Deadpool and Wolverine,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Gladiator II” and “Wicked.” In TV, “Shogun” was nominated alongside “The Boys,” “Fallout,” “The Penguin” and “House of the Dragon.”
Variety has reached out to the Academy for comment.
