The best movie stunts of 2022 from Top Gun: Maverick, RRR, and more

We’re celebrating a great year in action cinema

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  peter people
  

• At March 6, 2023 11:40 am

I love action movies and 2022 was one of the best years we’ve had in this genre in recent memory. While the Oscars routinely recognize action films and the incredible amount of craft and dedication that goes into them, there’s no appreciation for the stunt performers who literally put their bodies on the line for our entertainment, leaving that to the smaller SAG awards ceremony .

Thankfully, the good folks at Vulture have endeavored to fill the big gap in action appreciation with their first edition of their Stunt Awards, a celebration of the best and brightest action movies (and action in movies) the last year has to offer. It’s a very fun project and I was honored to be a part of it. I can honestly say that I’ve never found it so difficult to fill out a ballot. It’s a credit to the people who organized this project, the other voters they won, and the sheer excellence on display in Actionkino 2022.

Here is the ballot I submitted for the project along with the notes I submitted with my ballot. Be sure to watch the whole thing for the list of winners and the judges’ commentary.

Best Stunt: Athena (The Opening)

All of the nominees were incredibly impressive, however Athena gets my vote for the sheer amount of coordination required to make all the moving parts work in perfect cohesion. An eye-catcher.

Best Stunt in a Non-Action Movie: Jackass Forever (Knoxville vs. Bull)

Absolute madness.

Best Fight: Accident Man: Hitman’s Vacation (Scott Adkins vs. Andy Long)

The best fight in a movie full of great fights and a great example of showcasing the incredible talents of both fighters.

Best Shootout: Vikram (Vikram’s Giant Cannon)

blow. blow. blow. blow. You feel the impact of each bullet.

Best Vehicle Stunt: Lost Bullet 2 (The Freeway Chase)

Nobody does car chases like David Julienne. The Lost Bullet series is second to none.

Best Aerial Stunt: Top Gun: Maverick (Practice Montage)

Was child’s play for me.

Best Practical Blast: Lost Bullet 2 (The electric car explosion)

One of those moments that audibly makes you say “HELL YEAH!!!”.

Best Action Movie Overall: Top Gun: Maverick

There were action movies I enjoyed better in 2022, but nothing beats the dedication that went into the aerial stunts loner. My actual favorite action movie of the year is either RRR, ambulanceor Athenabut we were asked to prioritize stunt work in this vote.

Best Overall Stunts: Kevin LaRosa II

LaRosa II was the camera pilot and air unit coordinator of Top Gun: Maverickstaying consistent with how blown away I was by the aerial footage in this film.

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