The spotlight has finally shone brightly on the unsung heroes of the film industry – the stunt artists who risk life and limb to bring cinematic magic to life. At the recently concluded Academy Awards, their tireless efforts were recognized with a long-overdue accolade, bringing closure to a community that has long been behind the scenes. But amidst the celebration, a nagging question lingers: what about the actor who has taken the art of stunt work to dizzying heights, pushing the boundaries of physical performance in a way that has redefined the very notion of acting? Tom Cruise, the Hollywood heartthrob known for his daredevil stunts, has long been overdue for his own Oscar recognition. In this piece, we’ll examine why the time has come to give Tom Cruise the Academy Award he so richly deserves.
The Stunt Master
Tom Cruise pulls off some of the big screen’s most death-defying stunts in the Mission: Impossible films. The actor-producer has been relishing the possibilities of action cinema, pushing its boundaries without a green screen or actorly affectation — all for our enjoyment.
Tom Cruise’s Death-Defying Stunts
In the opening scene of 2015’s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Cruise leaps from a hill onto the wing of a taxiing cargo plane. He maneuvers himself onto a side door, gripping its handles. The plane gains speed and takes off. The camera stays on Cruise as his legs begin to dangle behind him, his hair and suit jacket whipping in the wind.
Who else starts an action movie with the action at an 11? In this humble moviegoer’s opinion, it’s one of the biggest flexes in the history of cinema. I say Cruise does these death-defying acts because although he’s playing Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt in the big-screen franchise inspired by the spy series of the ’60s and ’70s, what we’re really seeing, of course, is the actor-producer himself.
Cruise’s Passion for Action Cinema
Cruise is an action cinephile relishing the possibilities of the genre, pushing its boundaries without a green screen or actorly affectation — all for our enjoyment. When Cruise, now 62, is scaling the face of the world’s tallest building in 2011’s Ghost Protocol, climbing in and out of flying helicopters in 2018’s Fallout or launching from a motorcycle off a cliff in 2023’s Dead Reckoning, it’s like he’s inviting us to share in his adrenalized thrill.
On-Screen Daredevilry: A Legacy of Trailblazers
It’s escapist cinema in its purest form, blurring the line between audience and screen. Jaw-dropping, why-we-go-to-the-movies moments like those continue a legacy of onscreen daredevilry stretching back from Jackie Chan to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, who put their lives on the line for audiences’ entertainment.
The New Oscar Category: A Long Time Coming
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced a new Best Stunt Design category at the Oscars, planned for the 2028 ceremony. The award seems tailor-made for Cruise, who has never won a competitive Oscar before.
The Academy’s Recognition of Stunt Designers
David Leitch and many of his action-veteran collaborators championed the new accolade, which will be introduced at the 100th Academy Awards held in 2028, honoring the films of 2027. It only took 100 years, but it feels correct that the stunt designers and doubles making the likes of Cruise, Keanu Reeves, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron or James Bond look so impressive should be recognized by their industry’s most prestigious awards body.
David Leitch and the Case for Stunt Designers
As Leitch and others have pointed out, it’s always moments involving stunt performers that end up in a movie’s trailer, luring audiences to the screen to witness spectacle and derring-do. However, this means the teams behind what I consider cinema’s wildest stunts — the ones so dangerous, they’re deemed “impossible” — won’t be eligible for cinema’s highest honor.
A 100-Year Wait for Recognition
The wait is finally over, as the Academy has acknowledged the importance of stunt designers in filmmaking. It is a milestone moment in the history of cinema, and one that is long overdue.
Tom Cruise and the Best Stunt Design Oscar
Cruise’s next outing as Ethan Hunt, the eighth in the series and in theaters this May 23, is subtitled The Final Reckoning. While he and director Christopher McQuarrie and the gang haven’t definitively commented on whether it’s the end of the franchise’s road, its title feels like a dead giveaway.
Cruise’s Eligibility for the New Category
What I don’t want to experience is the first-ever Best Stunt Design Oscar going to some 2027 film after the Mission: Impossible franchise (or, at least, the Cruise-led franchise) concludes. It just doesn’t feel right.
The Mission: Impossible Franchise’s Legacy
The Mission: Impossible franchise has been a benchmark for action cinema, with Cruise performing some of the most death-defying stunts in movie history. The franchise has a legacy of delivering high-octane action sequences that have become a hallmark of the series.
Can Tom Cruise Finally Win an Oscar?
The new Best Stunt Design category presents an opportunity for Cruise to finally win an Oscar. With his dedication to performing complex stunts and his passion for action cinema, it would be a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
Sacheen Littlefeather: A Long Overdue Apology
The 1973 Oscars Incident
Sacheen Littlefeather’s historic speech at the 1973 Academy Awards is a moment that will be etched in the memories of many. The Indigenous actress and activist took to the stage to decline the Oscar for Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando, using the opportunity to call out the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans. However, what followed was a torrent of public mockery, physical threats, and a media blackout.
Littlefeather’s speech also drew attention to the standoff at Wounded Knee, a town in South Dakota where American Indian Movement activists were protesting the treatment of Native Americans. The U.S. Department of Justice had imposed a media blackout on the issue, making Littlefeather’s words all the more powerful.
The Fallout and Public Mockery
In the aftermath of her speech, Littlefeather faced severe backlash. She was threatened with arrest if her speech went over 60 seconds, and physical violence from John Wayne, who attempted to storm the stage. The public mockery that followed was relentless, with many ridiculing her for her actions.
The fallout from that night was immense, with Littlefeather’s career in Hollywood effectively ending. In a 1990 interview with Unionjournalism, Littlefeather revealed that she was “officially retired as the refuser of Academy Awards,” and that the speech had “killed” her career.
A Turning Point in Hollywood’s Treatment of Native Americans
Despite the challenges she faced, Littlefeather’s speech marked a turning point in Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. Her courage and determination inspired a new generation of Indigenous activists and performers, paving the way for greater representation and recognition in the industry.
Today, the film industry is taking steps to acknowledge and rectify its past mistakes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has offered Littlefeather a formal apology, recognizing the emotional burden she endured and the cost to her career.
The Apology and Its Significance
David Rubin’s Letter of Apology
In June, then-Academy president David Rubin presented Littlefeather with a letter of apology, acknowledging the abuse she endured and the irreparable damage to her career. The letter reads in part: “The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified. The emotional burden you have lived through and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable.”
The Emotional Burden on Sacheen Littlefeather
Littlefeather has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of that night, revealing that she was “stunned” to receive the apology. She has also spoken about the cost to her career, noting that she was “naive” to think she could make a difference.
Today, Littlefeather is living with metastasized breast cancer, and has lost her husband Charles Koshiway to blood cancer. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her activism, and is determined to see justice and reconciliation for her community.
A Step Towards Reconciliation and Justice
The apology from the Academy is a significant step towards reconciliation and justice for Littlefeather and her community. It acknowledges the harm caused by the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans and takes responsibility for its actions.
The event at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, where Littlefeather will be honored, is a testament to the power of activism and the importance of acknowledging past mistakes.
Honoring Sacheen Littlefeather
The Event at the Academy Museum
On September 17, the Academy Museum will host an event to honor Littlefeather’s legacy and activism. The statement of apology will be read in full, and Littlefeather will participate in a conversation with producer Bird Runningwater, co-chair of the Academy’s Indigenous Alliance.
Sacheen Littlefeather’s Courage and Legacy
Littlefeather’s courage and determination have inspired generations of Indigenous activists and performers. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of activism and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
As the film industry continues to evolve and grow, Littlefeather’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of representation, recognition, and reconciliation.
A Tribute to Her Ancestors and Activism
Littlefeather’s activism has always been driven by a desire to honor her ancestors and her community. Her courage and determination have inspired a new generation of Indigenous leaders and performers, and her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate for generations to come.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the article “Now That the Academy Honors Stunts, Can We Give Tom Cruise His Long Overdue Oscar?” from People.com, it’s clear that the discussion centers around the long-overdue recognition of action star Tom Cruise’s remarkable contributions to the film industry. Key points argued include Cruise’s impressive stunt work in films like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, as well as the Academy’s recent decision to introduce an Oscar category for outstanding stunt performers. The article maintains that this development presents an opportune moment to reevaluate Cruise’s outstanding body of work and confer upon him the Oscar recognition he so rightly deserves.
The significance of this topic extends beyond a nostalgic tribute to Cruise’s remarkable career. It highlights the evolving landscape of the film industry, where action and stunts are increasingly celebrated for their artistry and technical prowess. This shift in perception underscores the importance of acknowledging and rewarding talent in all aspects of filmmaking, not just acting or directing. As the Academy continues to expand its recognition of various filmmaking disciplines, it’s imperative that they also reconsider the contributions of pioneering action stars like Tom Cruise.
In the years to come, we can expect to see a continued focus on stunt work and action sequences in the film industry. As the Academy’s recognition of stunt performers sets a new standard, it will be fascinating to watch how other talent in this field is recognized and rewarded. Tom Cruise’s Oscar prospects, once a topic of speculation, may finally gain momentum. In the end, it’s not just about giving Tom Cruise the Oscar he deserves, but about acknowledging the artistry and innovation that has made his action hero persona an enduring icon in popular culture. It’s time to give Cruise the recognition he has earned, and in doing so, redefine the boundaries of what it means to be a Hollywood legend.