Actor Eva Mendes has publicly praised her partner and The Place Beyond the Pines co-star Ryan Gosling for playing a significant part in the Academy’s decision to introduce a new Oscars category honoring stunt work.
Following years of passionate advocacy for the recognition of action scenes at the Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Thursday that it will debut a new award for excellence in stunt design at the 100th Oscars, covering films released in 2027.
Mendes took to Instagram on Friday to commend Gosling for spotlighting the stunt community during the press run for his film The Fall Guy, which centers on a stuntman, last year.
“My man is the F best! Sadly, success is mostly measured by ticket sales. So I’m especially proud of him for transforming his entire Fall Guy promo tour into a push for stunt recognition at the Oscars.
“And now, after nearly a century of the Academy overlooking stunt design, it’s finally being honored with its own category!! This is a MASSIVE win! A lasting accomplishment. Congrats to the amazing stunt community!!” she wrote.
At the 2024 Oscars, Gosling and his Fall Guy co-star Emily Blunt took the stage to present a tribute reel showcasing the vital role of stunt professionals in global cinema.
In her post, Mendes also included a slideshow featuring Gosling holding a “Give Stunts an Oscar” sign alongside stunt performers and Blunt, as well as a screenshot of the Academy’s official announcement.
“BTW, this is the last time I’m sharing a pic of my man and the absolute stunner that is Emily Blunt. No más!” she added humorously.
Mendes, 51, and Gosling, 44, have been together since 2011 and share two daughters — Esmeralda, 10, and Amada, 8.