Oscar Introduces New Category For Best Casting From 2026 (image@TheAcademy)
A new Oscar for the best casting will be introduced from 2026, announced the Academy Awards organisers. The category will be first new competitive category of the ceremony since best animate feature was added in 2002.
In recent years, casting directors have campaigned to be recognised same as other film category like sound, costume, hair, and make-up was identified. In a statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said that casting directors “play an essential role in filmmaking”. The statement read, “as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognise and celebrate”.
The category will not be introduced until 2026 because of how far in advance the award campaigns are planned. The announcement was made despite the know efforts put forth by the Academy to shorten the Oscar ceremony in recent years, as an effort to keep the viewers interested. 23 awards are given out at the Oscars currently. The Academy did not confirm whether the new casting category would be included in the telecast.
The Stunt performers have also been campaigning for recognition at the Academy Awards, but have not yet been successful.
Response to the news of the casting category have been warmer than that of the popular film category, which the Oscar attempted to introduce in 2018. The move was designed to recognise films that has been successful at the box office but were less likely to be nominated in the traditional categories, like summer blockbusters and superhero franchises.
However, the announcement garnered criticism as many high-profile industry figures said such a category would diminish the prestige and integrity of the Oscars.
This year’s Oscar ceremony, which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel will be held in Los Angeles on March 10th.
