In a monumental move, the Oscars have just announced the addition of a brand-new category to their prestigious lineup: an award for casting directors. This groundbreaking decision comes after years of passionate advocacy within Hollywood circles, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the vital contributions of casting professionals to the filmmaking process.

Starting with films released in the 2025 calendar year, the Oscars will honor outstanding achievements in casting, with the inaugural award set to be presented during the 2026 ceremony. This marks the first new category introduced to the awards show in over two decades, since the inception of Best Animated Feature Film in 2001.

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“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,” remarked Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement released on Thursday, signaling a momentous shift in the industry’s acknowledgment of casting professionals.

The decision has been met with widespread acclaim from casting directors across Hollywood, who have long advocated for formal recognition from the film academy. While the Emmys have long included a casting award for television, the Oscars have historically overlooked this crucial aspect of film production – until now.

Expressing gratitude for the newfound acknowledgment, Academy Casting Directors Branch governors Richard Hicks, Kim Taylor-Coleman, and Debra Zane conveyed their appreciation to the Board of Governors, the Awards Committee, and Academy leadership for their unwavering support.

“This award is a deserved acknowledgment of our casting directors’ exceptional talents and a testament to the dedicated efforts of our branch,” they remarked, underscoring the significance of this milestone for casting professionals everywhere.

Established in 2013, the casting directors branch of the film academy boasts nearly 160 members, all of whom contribute immensely to the success of countless cinematic endeavors. As anticipation builds for the unveiling of more details and rules for the new category in 2025, excitement abounds within the industry over this long-overdue recognition of casting excellence at the highest echelons of filmmaking.