The 2026 Oscars will make history by introducing a brand-new competitive category: Achievement in Casting, also known as Best Casting. The addition marks the first new permanent Oscar category in 25 years, highlighting the crucial role casting directors play in bringing films to life.
The award will debut at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, bringing the total number of Academy Award categories to 24.
For decades, casting directors have been responsible for assembling the actors who shape the emotional heart of a film. Yet until now, their work had never been recognized with a competitive Oscar. The new category aims to change that by honoring the professionals behind some of the most memorable performances in cinema.
Recognizing the Art of Casting
Casting is often one of the most important elements of filmmaking. The right combination of actors can elevate a script, define a character, and ultimately determine how audiences connect with a story.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the new category in early 2024 after years of discussion about recognizing the contributions of casting directors.
Beginning with the 2026 Oscars, the award will honor casting achievements in films released in 2025.
The decision reflects the growing recognition within the industry that casting is not simply an administrative role but a creative one that can significantly shape the quality and impact of a film.
First-Time Nominees in the Category
The debut of the Best Casting category will also spotlight several respected casting professionals who are receiving their first Oscar nominations.
Among the early nominees are:
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Nina Gold
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Jennifer Venditti
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Francine Maisler
Each of these casting directors has been responsible for helping assemble acclaimed film casts in recent years, earning recognition from filmmakers and audiences alike.
Their nominations represent a milestone not only for their careers but also for the entire casting profession, which has long worked behind the scenes of the film industry.
A Rare Expansion of the Oscars
The addition of the Best Casting award is especially significant because the Academy rarely introduces new categories.
The last time the Oscars added a permanent category was in 2001, when Best Animated Feature was introduced. That category quickly became one of the most popular awards of the ceremony.
Now, a quarter-century later, the Academy is once again expanding the awards lineup.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony, which celebrates the best films of 2025, will feature the new category as part of the live broadcast.
A Moment of Recognition for Film's Unsung Heroes
While actors and directors often receive the spotlight, casting directors play a vital role in shaping the performances audiences remember long after a movie ends.
By adding Achievement in Casting to the Academy Awards lineup, the Oscars are acknowledging the creativity, intuition, and expertise required to assemble the perfect cast.
As the film industry prepares for the 2026 Oscars, the introduction of this new award signals a broader recognition of the many talents working behind the scenes to bring cinematic stories to life.
