The Board of Governors of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced the establishment of a new Academy Award® category for Achievement in Casting. This has been a long standing conversation as casting directors play a integral role in the development of film and television. The honor won’t officially make its debut until 2026 during the 98th Oscars which will spotlight the outstanding achievements of productions released in 2025.
“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. “We congratulate our Casting Directors Branch members on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process.”
Category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award will be announced in April 2025 with the complete 98th Academy Awards Rules. The specifics of the award’s presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and its administrative leadership at a future date.
“On behalf of the members of the Casting Directors Branch, we’d like to thank the Board of Governors, the Awards Committee and Academy leadership for their support. This award is a deserved acknowledgment of our casting directors’ exceptional talents and a testament to the dedicated efforts of our branch,” said Academy Casting Directors Branch governors Richard Hicks, Kim Taylor-Coleman and Debra Zane.
Prior to this announcement, the last category added was Best Animated Feature Film, established in 2001.
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