Every year, millions of people thrill to see their silver screen heroes do the impossible. But the excitement that we as movie fans feel is only possible thanks to the enormous dedication and skill of the Stunt Coordinators and their team of performers. Without their hard work our cinematic dreams fall flat, and more importantly real people on and off camera can be hurt. But despite the incredible dangers, the years of training and work, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has failed to recognize these tireless artists with an Oscar category. This was made abundantly clear this year, when Bob Anderson sword master and stunt performer of countless films was not even mentioned in the memorial montage during the Oscars. Anderson's work can be seen in films like the Star Wars Trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean; Curse of the Black Pearl, The Mask of Zorro, The Princess Bride and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Bob Anderson had a hand in creating some of the most memorable moments in movies, and his name did not even rate a brief mention with the Academy. It is in the memory of Bob Anderson, and others like him that I have created this petition, as a means of ensuring that other talented committed and inventive people do not go ignored by the motion picture industry.

Since I became interested in this cause, I have been in contact with Stunt Coordinator Jack Gill, whose work can be seen in films like Fast Five, Wanderlust and Talladega Nights. Mr. Gill informed me that his continuing efforts to see a Best Stunt Coordinator category have been going on for more than twenty years. And despite a good deal of support from members of the film community, the Academy's Board of Governors has still not relented. Mr. Gill will be submitting his request this year on April 1st and expects a decision will be made in June.

Please help him, and others like him to see that their work is recognized by the Academy. In Mr. Gill's own words,

"If we can get the public involved and flood the Academy with requests for this category, it may just sway their decision."

If you have ever enjoyed a movie, held your breath during an impossible leap from a building, thrilled at the high speed chase, or clung to the edge of your seat when good and evil fought it out on the big screen, then please sign this petition. Tell the Academy that the men and women who make the death-defying, thrilling and incredible adventures happen over and over again, deserve recognition. They deserve an Oscar.