“Who thinks stunts shouldn’t be at the Oscars?” John Wick director calls for better recognition of action scenes

Chad Stahelski, like his partner in the first film, David Leitch, both come from martial arts and stunt backgrounds. They established themselves as they went along, taking on huge stunt sequences and second-string directing on multiple films before moving into directing in the broadest sense of the word in 2014 with John Wick.

Then David Leitch went his own way, and Chad Stahelski remained loyal to Keanu Reeves, with whom he has a relationship with one of the most fascinating directors and stars in Hollywood. That relationship continues with John Wick: Chapter 4, the latest installment in the beloved action saga, which just hit theaters.

The film, like the franchise as a whole, goes from spectacular action sequences – until 14 beats together in one scene in its final chapter – and revolutionizes, as always, the genre. These achievements, rarely rewarded, are nevertheless an integral part of filmmaking, and the teams involved deserve the same recognition as, for example, other departments involved in the Oscars. So why isn’t the movie in the award-winning Stunts/Stunts category?

In an interview with Deadline, Chad Stahelski spoke about this topic: for him, the Academy has never really considered including stunts in their awards, and the “fundamental problem” is that no one has raised this issue with them.

I think if I went to the Academy right now and asked, “Who of you thinks stunts shouldn’t be at the Oscars?” Can you find just one person? I do not think so. Well, what’s the problem here? The problem is that no one is talking about it.

Department equal to others

As for whether he has spoken to the Oscars about it, he said now is the time.

“I am now raising the issue with you and you will help me raise the issue with them. There is no good reason not to have Oscar stunts. No one denies that we are at least equal to all other departments. We are all part of the film, as in the Hollywood tradition, as the music, the costumes, the technical achievements, the director or the cinematographer. And no one in these departments denies it. I just don’t think we’ve had that conversation. I think there are challenges to overcome. The stunt department works very differently. A cinematographer is a person, just like a costume designer and a director.“

He follows: “We’re as relevant as any department and I’m going to be a little cheeky and say that I think we’d add a little something to the Oscars. This is a legitimate win-win situation. No great stuntman or performer I know does it for recognition or a statue. It doesn’t mean much to us. But it’s good to be recognized by your peers. It’s time.“

On good terms, hello! With films like The Tiger and the Dragon (2000) or Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), awarded at the Oscars in several categories, but which also deserved recognition for their fabulous stunts, and now the John Wick saga, it’s actually time.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently available at a cinema near you.

Also learn how one of the film’s most impressive stunts was pulled off: