Jason Statham calls for stunt Oscars

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/22/jason-statham-stunt-oscars

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Jason Statham has added his voice to leading figures in the stunt co-ordination sector of the industry for stunt performers to be rewarded with their own Oscar category.

Speaking to Vanity Fair magazine, Statham said: "I think it is an overlooked category, [considering] how much responsibility these coordinators have for some of the greatest entertainment in action movies. I mean, all of the stunt men—these are the unsung heroes. They really are. Nobody is giving them any credibility. They're risking their necks."

"It's a total injustice. They're the ones getting busy."

Statham then went on to pour scorn on "poncy actors" who are then inserted into action scenes by visual effects artists. "Then you have some guy standing in front of a fucking green screen screwing his face up pretending like he's doing the stunt. To me, it's like a farce. I have a real frustration with that because I know these coordinators. I train with them all the time and they are incredibly talented."

<br />According to Box Office Mojo, Statham's (largely action-oriented) films have grossed over $1.6bn at the worldwide box office.

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