The Academy Awards organizers are introducing a new Oscar for best casting. The prize will be given out starting in 2026. Since the addition of Best Animated Feature in 2002, this will be the first new competing category at the Oscars. In recent years, casting directors have pushed for recognition for their work, just like other cinema trades like sound, costuming, hair, and makeup have done.
According to a press statement from Academy President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer, “casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate. We congratulate our Casting Directors Branch members on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process.”
Outstanding ability
There are currently 23 awards presented at the Oscars, but most people are only interested in the top awards, which include best film, best actor, and best director.
The Academy did not say whether or not the new casting category would be shown on the program; it is likely that a decision won’t be made until closer to the event. Casting directors have a significant influence on the direction of big Hollywood productions and are often the first employees to work on new projects.
Casting directors have battled for their own award since they first fought to join the organization. In April 2025, category regulations pertaining to eligibility will be revealed. Variety, a specialized media organization, states that casting directors started to struggle in the late 1990s for recognition for their work, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The establishment of a particular branch inside the Academy took about fifteen years. One of its most distinguished members, David Rubin, has served as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ president and secretary.
There are already 23 awards given out during the Oscars ceremony, and this will be the 24th. However, not all honors are revealed until the major event, which is being held this year. Between 16 and 20 million people watch the already-long gala, but it’s still unclear if the new category will be featured in the live broadcast.
