Casting directors recognised with new Oscar category for 2026

For decades, casting directors have been the unsung heroes of the film industry, shaping the very fabric of movies by choosing the right actors for each role. Despite Martin Scorsese’s assertion that casting constitutes 85 to 95 per cent of a film’s success, the profession remained largely unrecognised, typically limited to a brief credit at the end of a film. Previous attempts to create an Oscar for casting were rejected, leaving many in the industry frustrated. That is finally changing in 2026, when the Academy Awards will introduce a dedicated category for casting directors, with nominees including the teams behind Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners. Thea McLeod, president of the Casting Guild of Australia, emphasises the collaborative nature of casting, working closely with writers, directors, and producers to bring a story to life. Decisions can dramatically alter films, as seen in Everything Everywhere All At Once, where a gender swap transformed the narrative entirely. Casting directors like Stevie Ray and Anousha Zarkesh explain that their work involves carefully selecting talent that fits the world of the story, often after sifting through tens of thousands of actors. From discovering young Heath Ledger in Perth to managing high-profile recasts, the role requires creativity, intuition, and patience. This new Oscar category acknowledges the vital contribution of casting directors in shaping cinema and celebrates their art on an international stage.