LOS ANGELES, USA – The Oscars, Hollywood’s most prestigious film awards ceremony, is making a significant change by introducing a new competitive category for best achievement in casting. This announcement comes from the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, signaling a major shift in the recognition of the essential role played by casting directors in filmmaking. This groundbreaking change is set to take effect at the 98th annual Oscars ceremony in 2025.
The decision to create a new category for casting is the first of its kind by the Academy since the addition of the best animated feature film category back in 2001. According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, this move is part of the Academy’s evolution, reflecting a commitment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of casting directors in the filmmaking process.
With the formation of the Casting Directors Branch in July 2013, which currently boasts nearly 160 members, the Academy acknowledges the importance of casting in the filmmaking process. The branch governors, Richard Hicks, Kim Taylor-Colman, and Debra Zane, expressed gratitude for the support received and viewed the new award as a well-deserved acknowledgment of the casting directors’ exceptional talents and dedication.
The recognition of casting directors at the Oscars has been a long time coming, dating back to the late 1990s when efforts were made to add it as a category. However, it faced limited support and did not materialize until now. This move reflects a broader trend within the Academy to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry.
In recent years, there have been discussions within the Academy about adding new categories to the Oscars, such as stunts and production and technology branches, indicating a willingness to embrace and honor various aspects of filmmaking beyond the traditional categories. These developments illustrate a recognition of the diverse talents and contributions that make a film possible, reflecting the dynamic nature of the film industry.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, it is crucial for the Oscars to reflect these changes by expanding the recognition of different roles within the film industry. The addition of a competitive category for casting at the Oscars is a significant step toward acknowledging the essential role played by casting directors in bringing cinematic stories to life.