Awards For Best Casting Will Be Distributed, Starting In 2026
This has not happened since 2001 when the Academy created the best animated feature film category. On Thursday morning, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new competitive Oscar category for best achievement in casting. It will be first used at the 98th ceremony, in 2026, for films released in 2025.
Members of the Academy are limited to professionals of the film industry and are divided into 18 branches, from writers to actors to producers. This recent news should rejoice the Academy Casting Directors branch, which was created in 2013 and currently has nearly 160 members. Overall, the organization has more than 10,000 members.
“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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang.
Back in 2018, a proposition to create a new category to award Outstanding Achievements in Popular Film was announced by the Academy. However, it was met with backlash from journalists and Academy members alike, as it was viewed as a conspicuous attempt to pander to mainstream audiences and increase annual ratings. In the end, the project did not follow through.
This year, the 96th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 10, and will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
CREDITS: Malena Cortizo A.
