Oldenburg Film Festival to Honor ‘Kill Bill’ Stunt Legend Zoë Bell

The Oldenburg International Film Festival is set to celebrate the career of Zoë Bell, the accomplished stuntwoman and actress who famously doubled for Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill’ films.

The tribute will recognize Bell’s impact on action cinema both on and off screen, acknowledging her role in raising the profile of stunt performers in Hollywood.

Bell’s journey in the entertainment industry began with television work in her native New Zealand before she caught international attention as the stunt double for Lucy Lawless on Xena: Warrior Princess. That breakthrough eventually led to her pivotal role on Kill Bill, where she not only doubled for Thurman but also trained extensively for the film’s intense fight sequences.

Her work on Tarantino’s martial arts epic earned her significant recognition within stunt circles and opened doors to acting roles. Bell has since appeared in Death Proof, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, all directed by Tarantino.

Bell’s career has expanded well beyond traditional stunt doubling. In Death Proof, she played herself while executing one of cinema’s most memorable stunts clinging to the hood of a moving Dodge Challenger. She’s also worked as a stunt performer and coordinator on major productions including Iron Man 3, Thor: Ragnarok and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Her story was documented in the film Double Dare, which explored her work alongside veteran stuntwoman Jeannie Epper as they navigated Hollywood’s stunt industry.

The Oldenburg festival’s decision to honor Bell reflects a growing acknowledgment of stunt professionals whose essential contributions often go unrecognized. Bell has become an influential figure for women in the stunt profession, carving out a unique career that combines physical performance, acting and filmmaking expertise.

For a performer who started by making other actors look good, the tribute represents hard-earned recognition of a career built on fearlessness and versatility.