Stunt Groups Petition For Academy Award Category 2/22/05

Stuntmen who help make complex action films possible are now petitioning The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the creation of a new Academy Award category—Best Stunt Coordinator.

Conrad Palmisano, a member of The Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures, says: "Stunt Coordinators create, design and choreograph action sequences that draw millions of viewers to the theaters."

To lobby for film industry recognition, representatives from Palmisano's stunt group have joined forces with representatives from three other stunt groups: Stunts Unlimited, Brand X, and The International Stunt Association.

Directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Jerry Bruckheimer have all signed a petition for the creation of the Best Stunt Coordinator award category. Actors Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, and Arnold Schwarzeneggar have also signed the petition.

You can help make stunt men and women eligible for an Academy Award by signing the petition located at www.StuntsUnlimited.com. Click the "Academy Petition" button on that Web site to show your support.