If there was a single category that I believe the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences should add to their early awards it would be for stunts and choreography. Choreographing stunt filled set pieces or dance numbers is an amazing art and it should be recognized. We recognize make up and production design. Why would we not recognize the artists that work so hard to deliver the most memorable moments in cinema. Well, that’s what I am going to do today.
12. The Day of the Jackal
Whether he was hanging from above concerts or crashing cars, Eddie Redmayne did a lot of fun stunts in this show. It took a team of 16 stunt performers and coordinators to make this happen. Couple this with some killer editing and it helped this show deliver some of the best action scenes in television this year.
11. Twisters
11. It took a small army of stunt performers, second unit directors, set designers, and even the actors to make the massive stunts in this movie come to life. Over 80 stunt performers alone were brought in to make this movie. Which helped make sequences like the brilliant tornado in a movie theater scene feel so intense. And it is because of these artists that we got enjoy one of the most exciting movies of the summer!
10. Fallout
The first season of Fallout is filled with shootouts, helicopter battles, flying suits, and explosions. This took over 200 special effects and stunt performers to pull off and boy did they pull it off. As a result, they pulled it off so well that Fallout became one of the most watched shows of 2024! This is equally because of the fantastic writing and the talented performers at the same time. All in all, I wish that every show could deliver this level of craftmanship.
9. Monkey Man
This film certainly has some depth, but it is the action scenes that deliver the goods. Honestly, the scenes and stunts in Monkey Man are nothing short of exhilarating, showcasing a masterful blend of intensity and precision. The choreography is meticulously crafted, with each move fluidly executed to build tension and highlight the protagonist’s raw power and agility. The hand-to-hand combat is jaw-dropping leaps and feels grounded yet thrilling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The well-timed, realistic stunts make each action-packed moment feel earned, amplifying the film’s gritty atmosphere and emotional stakes. My hat is off to director Dev Patel and his small team of artists that made this happen.
8. Shogun
In 2024, Shogun captivated audiences not only with its compelling story but also with its stunningly choreographed stunts. One standout sequence features the character Mariko as she attempts to escape the city, with guards desperately trying to stop her by taking out her armed protectors one by one. The choreography of this scene is a masterclass in precision and timing, blending martial arts with the fluid, steady motion of the protagonist. Stunt performers execute each move with breathtaking accuracy, working closely with the stunt crew to ensure seamless action. This sequence, along with others, showcases the exceptional talent behind the show, which was the most awarded series at the 2024 Emmy Awards, cementing Shogun as a triumph in both storytelling and action.
7. Deadpool & Wolverine
There is no doubt that Deadpool & Wolverine was the biggest movie of 2024! And a large part of that was all the brilliant comedic work, but a lot of people came to see these two fight. Which did not disappoint! Honestly, they could have gotten away with just one brawl between these two and people would have been happy. Instead, there are multiple big fight scenes and the one in the Honda Odyssey is a classic. The stunt work and choreography in this sequence is top notch and the special effects on the car damage sells how epic the fight really is. As a result, this talented group of stuntmen, special effects artists, and fight coordinators deliver some of the best fights of 2024!
6. Dune Part II
The stunt work and fight choreography in Dune: Part II are truly a sight to be seen. It wouldn’t be stretching credibility to say this film pushed the boundaries of action in an epic sci-fi setting. This is especially true in the intense and highly anticipated fight between Paul Atreides and Feyd-Rautha in the emperor’s throne room. Every movement in this sequence is calculated and explosive, showcasing expert combat techniques with a sense of brutal realism. The scene is elevated by the impeccable work of the stunt team, including skilled actors Austin Butler and Timothée Chalamet, who bring raw intensity to their roles.
The film also features impressive wire work in its opening sequence and the breathtaking sandworm ride. Paul’s ride on the sandworm uses all the tricks of the trade to create fluid, gravity-defying movements that amplify the sense of grandeur. The flawless choreography and expert editing blend together to create thrilling, larger-than-life stunts that truly bring the world of Dune to life.
5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
There is no doubt that this film delivered high-octane action fueled by expert stunt work and breathtaking choreography. George Miller’s vision brings every scene to life, pushing the limits of practical effects and raw energy. One unforgettable sequence features Dementus’s men attacking a semi-trailer in the middle of the movie. The choreography in this sequence is masterful, with vehicles colliding and combatants leaping between rigs. Stunt performers and coordinators execute each move with precision, creating a visceral, intense atmosphere. Miller’s direction amplifies the chaos, turning every action moment into a thrilling visual spectacle. So, I applaud the artists that brought this spectacle to IMAX screens this past May.
4. Emilia Perez
It must have been a hell of a challenge to get a Spanish language musical about a transitioning cartel boss of the ground. Luckily, they got it done and were able to deliver the unforgettable musical numbers this movie was able to put to screen. The best scene in the whole family comes in the latter half with a choreographed dance number called “El Mal”. In this sequence, the entire room freezes while Zoe Saldanda dances around a giant room giving commentary on all the corrupt folks filling it. This song has already been nominated for a Golden Globe and Emilia Perez is high on the lists in awards circuits, but who needs to be getting awards are the choreographers of brilliant sequences like this one. Sadly, I cannot give out awards, but I total recognize this as one of the great achievements of 2024!
3. Gladiator II
In Gladiator II, Ridley Scott, in his 80s, creates an epic production that pushes cinematic boundaries. His vision comes to life through a talented team of choreographers and stunt performers. The massive action sequences in the coliseum are breathtaking, with coliseums flooded with water, and sharks lurking below. Epic sword fights, intense battles, and thrilling stunts unfold every 20 to 30 minutes. The choreography is flawless, ensuring every movement builds tension and excitement. Scott’s direction, combined with the team’s expertise, makes these action moments unforgettable, elevating the film to a new level of grandeur.
2. Wicked
In Wicked, Jon M. Chu delivers stunning choreography and dance numbers that bring the musical to life. The massive dance number to “Dancing Through Life” is a vibrant, energetic spectacle with intricate moves. The prop work in “Popular” adds an extra layer of flair, making the scene even more engaging. The wire work in the final number, “Defying Gravity,” is nothing short of incredible, allowing for gravity-defying stunts. Chu’s commitment to practical effects shines through in every scene, using real movement and daring stunts to create a visually captivating experience. His direction elevates the entire production to new heights.
1. The Fall Guy
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