In a significant move, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a new competitive Oscar category for “best achievement in casting.” This announcement marks the first new category created by the Academy since 2001, when the category for best animated feature film was established.
The new category will debut at the 98th annual Academy Awards ceremony, honoring films released in 2025. The decision to recognize casting directors underscores their indispensable role in filmmaking and represents an evolution for the Academy.
According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, casting directors are essential contributors to the filmmaking process, and their inclusion in the list of recognized disciplines reflects the Academy’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating their contributions.
The creation of this category is a significant milestone for the Casting Directors Branch, which was formed in July 2013 and comprises nearly 160 members. Branch governors Richard Hicks, Kim Taylor-Colman, and Debra Zane expressed gratitude to the Board of Governors, the Awards Committee, and Academy leadership for their support in making this achievement possible.
Details regarding category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award will be disclosed in April 2025, along with the complete set of rules for the 98th Academy Awards. The specifics of how the award will be presented will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and administrative leadership at a later date.
The decision to introduce this category reflects a longstanding effort to gain recognition for casting directors, dating back to the late 1990s. Despite previous attempts, widespread support for the inclusion of casting directors in the Oscars ceremony was not achieved until now, signaling a positive step forward for the industry.