In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on May 10, 2025, that stunts will finally be recognized as an official category at the Oscars, starting with the 2026 ceremony. For decades, stunt performers—the unsung heroes behind some of cinema’s most jaw-dropping moments—have been overlooked, their contributions often overshadowed by the stars they double for. But as the industry celebrates this long-overdue recognition, one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, Keanu Reeves, is opening up about his role in the high-octane world of stunts, particularly in the John Wick franchise. In an exclusive interview with Cinema Insider on May 19, 2025, at 11:12 AM in Los Angeles, Reeves gets candid about what he’s actually responsible for in his films, the importance of the new Oscars category, and the legacy of stunt work in cinema. 🎬

A Victory for Stunt Performers

The decision to include a stunts category at the Oscars comes after years of advocacy from the stunt community and high-profile supporters like Reeves, Ryan Gosling, and Emily Blunt, whose 2024 film The Fall Guy shone a spotlight on the profession. The Academy’s announcement, made just nine days ago, marks a turning point for an industry that has historically sidelined stunt performers. “This is a game-changer,” says veteran stunt coordinator Chad Stahelski, who directed all four John Wick films and has been a vocal advocate for the cause. “Stunt performers risk their lives to make movies magical. It’s about time they get their moment on that stage.” 🏆

The new category, tentatively titled “Best Achievement in Stunt Coordination,” will honor the teams behind a film’s most daring sequences, from car chases to high falls to intricate fight choreography. The Academy’s decision aligns with a broader push for inclusivity, following the introduction of categories like Best Animated Feature in 2001 and Best Casting, set to debut at the 2026 Oscars as well. But for many in the stunt community, this victory is personal. “We’ve always been the invisible backbone of action films,” says stuntwoman Heidi Moneymaker, who doubled for Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow. “Now, we’re finally being seen.”

Keanu Reeves: The Action Star Who Walks the Walk

Few actors embody the spirit of action cinema like Keanu Reeves. At 60 years old, the Matrix and Speed star has spent decades defying expectations, performing many of his own stunts and earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most dedicated performers. But it’s his work in the John Wick series that has solidified his status as an action icon. Since the first film in 2014, Reeves has portrayed the titular assassin with a raw intensity, blending martial arts, gunplay, and emotional depth in a way that’s captivated audiences worldwide. The franchise has grossed over $1 billion globally, with John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) alone earning $440 million.

Yet, despite his larger-than-life on-screen persona, Reeves remains humble about his contributions. Sitting in a cozy Los Angeles café on a sunny May morning, he reflects on the Academy’s decision with a quiet smile. “I’m thrilled for the stunt community,” he says, sipping a black coffee. “They’re the ones who make it all possible. I just show up and try not to mess it up.” ☕

Reeves’ humility is well-documented—he’s known for giving up his seat on the subway, donating millions to charity, and treating crew members with the same respect as A-list co-stars. But when it comes to stunts, he’s quick to clarify what he’s actually responsible for in films like John Wick. “People think I do everything, but that’s not true,” he admits. “I do a lot of the fighting and the movement—probably 90% of the hand-to-hand combat—but the really dangerous stuff? That’s all my stunt team. I’m not jumping off buildings or getting set on fire. That’s their expertise.” 🔥

Behind the Scenes of John Wick

To understand Reeves’ role, you have to look at the meticulous process behind John Wick’s action sequences. The films are known for their “gun-fu” style—a seamless blend of martial arts and firearms that Stahelski, a former stuntman himself, pioneered. Reeves underwent months of training for each installment, working with experts like Jonathan Eusebio and Jackson Spidell to master jiu-jitsu, judo, and tactical shooting. “Keanu’s a machine,” Stahelski tells us in a follow-up call. “He trains harder than most stunt performers I know. By the time we start shooting, he’s ready to do most of the choreography himself.”

But Reeves is clear about where he draws the line. In John Wick: Chapter 4, there’s a scene where Wick is thrown off a balcony at the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, tumbling down a seemingly endless staircase. “That was my stunt double, Vincent Bouillon,” Reeves says with a laugh. “I did the fight leading up to it, but the fall? No way. Vincent made that look incredible.” He also credits his team for the film’s infamous car stunts, like the sequence where Wick drifts a Mustang Mach 1 through the streets of Osaka. “I can drive, but I’m not a professional driver,” Reeves explains. “Those guys are artists.” 🚗

Reeves’ willingness to share credit isn’t just about modesty—it’s about respect. “Stunt performers put their bodies on the line every day,” he says, his tone turning serious. “They deserve to be recognized, not just by me, but by the industry. This Oscars category is a step in the right direction.”

The Broader Impact

The new Oscars category isn’t just a win for stunt performers—it’s a wake-up call for Hollywood. For years, the Academy has been criticized for overlooking below-the-line talent, from sound designers to makeup artists. The inclusion of stunts signals a shift toward acknowledging the collaborative nature of filmmaking. “Movies aren’t just about the director or the lead actor,” says Moneymaker. “They’re about the hundreds of people who make the impossible happen.”

The announcement also comes at a time when action films are dominating the box office. In 2025 alone, blockbusters like A Minecraft Movie ($816.5 million globally) and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (over $161 million in two weeks) have proven that audiences crave spectacle. Recognizing stunts at the Oscars could inspire studios to invest more in practical effects and choreography, rather than relying solely on CGI—a trend Reeves supports. “There’s nothing like the real thing,” he says. “When you see a real person doing a real stunt, it hits different.” 💥

A Nostalgic Side Note: The Parent Trap Returns

While the stunt community celebrates, Hollywood is buzzing with another piece of news: Treasure Island (Media) has confirmed a sequel to the 1990s classic The Parent Trap, with Lindsay Lohan set to star. The original film followed twin sisters who scheme to reunite their divorced parents, played by Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson. In the sequel, Lohan, now 37, will play one of the parents, joined by Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis. The story will focus on the twins as adults, meddling in their own children’s relationships with a mix of nostalgia and fresh comedy. Lohan teased the project on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM show, hinting at “hilarious chaos” involving her character’s love interest. Production is slated to begin in early 2026, promising a feel-good hit for a new generation. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Looking Ahead

For Keanu Reeves, the Oscars announcement is a moment to reflect on his own legacy. With John Wick: Chapter 5 in development and a potential Matrix return on the horizon, he shows no signs of slowing down. But as he talks about the stunt community, his focus is on the future. “I hope this category inspires the next generation of stunt performers,” he says. “They’re the ones who make us believe in the impossible.”

As the 2026 Oscars approach, all eyes will be on the inaugural stunt award. Will John Wick veterans like Stahelski finally get their due? Will a new action film steal the spotlight? One thing is certain: Keanu Reeves will be watching, cheering on the heroes who’ve stood by his side through every punch, kick, and explosion. And if history is any indication, he’ll be the first to stand and applaud when their names are called. 🌟