Awards
New Oscar category for casting planned from 2026
Casting directors had been campaigning for their own Oscar for years. photo
© Danny Moloshok/Invision via AP/dpa
The Oscar Academy currently awards prizes in 23 categories, such as best film, actor, cinematography and direction. A new category is to be introduced from 2026.
The film academy in Hollywood wants a new one from 2026 Introduce Oscar category. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this is intended to honor casting merits.
Casting directors play an “integral role” in filmmaking, so this should be added to the disciplines being recognized, said a statement from Academy CEO Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer. The Film Academy last approved the then new Oscar category “Best Animated Feature Film” in 2001. Since then, Oscars have been awarded in 23 categories, including the top category “Best Film” for directing, acting, cinematography, editing and short films.
Filmmakers who are responsible for casting roles in productions had been campaigning for their own casting Oscar for years. Casting directors have had their own group at the Oscar Academy since 2013 with almost 160 members. The association has a total of over 10,000 members belonging to 19 different groups, including actors, directors, producers and film composers.
Stunt artists have been calling for their own Oscar category for many years, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 10 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.