Tom Hardy: One Stunt Oscar Not Enough for Venom Star

In a recent interview with IGN, actor Tom Hardy expressed his thoughts on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to introduce an Oscar for Stunt Design at the 2028 Academy Awards. While Hardy appreciates the recognition, he believes that one category might not be sufficient to honor the diverse and demanding work within the stunt department.

"One Oscar, it's a bit too little too late in some aspects," Hardy stated. "It's good, it's great and cup half full territory, but I think perhaps more is asked for." He elaborated on the complexity of stunt work, emphasizing that it encompasses much more than just design. "It's not enough just stunt design because there are so many elements that go into stunts as a department," Hardy explained. He highlighted the various aspects of stunt work, from horseback riding and car chases to high falls, fire stunts, fights, and more, all of which contribute significantly to the thrill and excitement of films and television.

Hardy, known for his roles in films like Venom and Mad Max: Fury Road, stressed the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of those in the stunt industry. "That entire universe of people is unsung, and they put a lot on the line for that physically, and they're largely unspoken, but they do really put the thrill into film and TV," he said. He advocates for subcategories to better represent the diverse skills and contributions within the stunt community.

Gareth Evans, the director of Hardy's upcoming film Havoc, shares a similar view. "Subcategories would be nice," Evans remarked. He believes that while awards shouldn't be the driving force behind the craft, recognition is long overdue. "I think it's about time that it got rewarded, about time that it had some recognition, and hard to understand why it wasn't from the get-go really," he added.

The introduction of the Stunt Design Oscar marks a significant milestone, coming 100 years after the first Academy Awards. However, fans won't have to wait as long to see Hardy's latest work. Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans, will be available on Netflix starting this Friday, April 25th.

For those interested in the action-packed world of stunts and the performances that bring them to life, Hardy's comments and the upcoming release of Havoc offer a compelling glimpse into the dedication and artistry behind the scenes.