In a recent interview with IGN ahead of the release of his latest film, Havoc, actor Tom Hardy has voiced his opinion on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to introduce an Oscar for Stunt Design. Hardy expressed that while the move is positive, it might not go far enough in recognizing the diverse elements that make up the stunt department.

"One Oscar, it's a bit too little too late in some aspects," Hardy remarked. "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 stunts in filmmaking, pointing out that the design element serves as an umbrella for a wide range of groups within the stunt world. From people on horseback to those performing skydiving sequences, Hardy emphasized the hard work and risks involved, often going unnoticed.

"The entire universe of people is unsung, and they put a lot on the line physically," Hardy continued. "They're largely unspoken, but they do really put the thrill into film and TV. I've got a lot of friends in that world, so yeah, I'd like to see some subcategories in there as well."

This sentiment is shared by Havoc's director, Gareth Evans, known for his work on The Raid films, which are renowned for their groundbreaking action and stunt sequences. "Subcategories would be nice," Evans agreed. He stressed that awards should not be the primary motivation for the craft, but rather a form of recognition for the dedication and expression within filmmaking. "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."

The Academy's decision to introduce the Stunt Design Oscar will come into effect at the 2028 Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone 100 years after the Oscars' inception. Meanwhile, fans won't have to wait as long to see Havoc, as it premieres on Netflix this Friday, April 25th, featuring Tom Hardy in a thrilling performance.