On Thursday, the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the Oscars will introduce a new category to honor casting achievements in films released from 2025 onward. Casting directors, pivotal figures in the entertainment industry, have been overlooked on Hollywood’s most prestigious evening. However, beginning next year, this narrative is set to change.
“Recognizing the vital contribution of casting directors in filmmaking, we are pleased to include casting among the disciplines honored and celebrated by the Academy as it continues to evolve,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement.
Established in July 2013, the casting directors’ branch currently boasts close to 160 members.
“This accolade stands as a fitting tribute to the extraordinary skills of our casting directors and underscores the unwavering commitment of our branch,” remarked Academy Casting Directors Branch governors Richard Hicks, Kim Taylor-Coleman, and Debra Zane in their collective statement.
Commencing with the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, the inaugural statuette will be bestowed upon casting directors, marking a significant milestone. While both casting directors and stunt performers have tirelessly advocated for an Oscar category acknowledging their distinct contributions to cinema, the recognition for stunts will have to remain pending for the time being.