The Round Top Film Festival has announced it will bestow its second annual Maverick Stunt Award upon Chris O’Hara, the acclaimed stunt coordinator known for his recent work on the 2024 film “The Fall Guy.” This significant recognition, presented by Variety, is scheduled for November 9, marking a highlight of the festival’s upcoming edition. The award celebrates O’Hara’s innovative contributions and extensive career in the stunt industry, which spans over two decades.

Round Top Film Festival to Honor Chris O’Hara of ‘The Fall Guy’ with Prestigious Maverick Stunt Award

Chris O’Hara, a veteran with 25 years in the film industry, is set to receive the Maverick Stunt Award from the Round Top Film Festival. His recent achievement includes a Taurus World Stunt Award for best 2nd unit director/stunt coordinator for his work on the 2024 movie, “The Fall Guy,” a project that showcased elaborate and creative stunt work. O’Hara’s career portfolio is diverse, encompassing roles where he doubled prominent actors such as Matt Damon in “The Bourne Supremacy” and Bradley Cooper in “The Hangover” franchise. His extensive credits also include major action films like “Baby Driver,” “Jurassic World,” “Venom,” “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” and the iconic “Fight Club.”

Acknowledging Stunt Design as Cinematic Artistry

In a statement, O’Hara expressed his enthusiasm for the honor: “I’m thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Maverick Stunt Award at the 2025 Round Top Film Festival. I love how this festival embraces independent filmmakers from all walks of life, celebrating diverse voices and bold storytelling. Their recognition of stunt design as a vital part of cinematic artistry is truly significant, and it underscores their commitment to championing innovation and creativity. I’m beyond excited to attend the Round Top Film Festival and be part of this vibrant celebration of cinema.” This sentiment highlights the festival’s broader mission to acknowledge all facets of filmmaking, including the often-understated art of stunt work.

About the Round Top Film Festival

The Round Top Film Festival, established by the mother-daughter team Shanna Schanen and Skylar Schanen, held its inaugural event in November 2024. The festival is hosted in the unique setting of Round Top, Texas, a small town with a population of 95, situated between Austin and Houston. Round Top is notably recognized for its triannual antique show, which draws over 100,000 visitors annually. The second edition of the festival is scheduled to run from November 6-9, 2025, promising another celebration of cinema in this distinctive locale. The Maverick Stunt Award specifically honors “an outstanding professional in the stunt industry whose innovative contributions redefine the craft of action storytelling.”

Festival Highlights and Other Honorees

The presentation of the Maverick Stunt Award to Chris O’Hara will be followed by a conversation with Variety associate editor Todd Longwell, offering attendees deeper insights into O’Hara’s craft and experiences. The festival’s program also includes a series of engaging panel discussions:

• “From Combat to Camera”: This panel will be moderated by R.J. Casey, who was the recipient of last year’s Maverick Stunt Award, known for his work on films such as “Inception,” “Dunkirk,” and “Extraction 2.”
• “From the Jump: Film and TV Stunt Designers in Conversation”: Moderated by esteemed second unit director and stunt coordinator Tom Struthers, whose credits include “The Dark Knight” trilogy and “Dune.” This panel will feature Vic Armstrong, a legendary figure in stunts with work on “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Die Another Other Day,” who will also be honored with Round Top’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Stunts.

Beyond the awards and panels, the festival will screen a diverse selection of films, including Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” and the closing night selection, Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” starring George Clooney. The festival’s jury comprises director Leslie Zemeckis (“Behind the Burly Q”), screenwriter Marc Klein (“Serendipity”), actors Marié Botha (“The Penguin”) and Mariel Hemingway (“Personal Best”), and producer Meryl Poster (“Chicago”), ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the submitted cinematic works.

Conclusion

The Round Top Film Festival continues to carve out a distinct niche by celebrating independent filmmaking and recognizing the intricate artistry behind cinematic achievements. Honoring Chris O’Hara with the Maverick Stunt Award underscores the festival’s commitment to highlighting the crucial role of stunt professionals in shaping impactful and visually compelling narratives on screen. This event not only acknowledges individual excellence but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted craft of filmmaking.