The Oscars create a new category for casting directors

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Casting directors have finally won an Oscar.

After decades-long efforts to create a competitive Oscar for directing actors, it has finally come to fruition with the creation of a new Oscar category for achievement in acting starting with the 98th annual Academy Awards for films to be released in 2025.

This will be the first new category added to the Oscars since the creation of Best Animated Feature Film in 2001, and will bring the total back to 24 overall.

“Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy grows, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines we recognize and celebrate,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Young. “We congratulate the members of our Acting Directors Branch on this exciting accomplishment and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process.”

“On behalf of the members of the Casting Directors Branch, we would like to thank the Board of Governors, Awards Committee and Academy leadership for their support. “This award is well-deserved recognition of the exceptional talents of our Casting Directors and a testament to the dedicated efforts of our Chapter,” said Academy Casting Directors Branch Governors Richard Hicks. and Kim Taylor Coleman and Debra Zinn.The Acting Directors Chapter was established in July 2013. There are currently approximately 160 members in the Chapter.

Ironically, Casting did not have its own category even though one of its most prominent members, David Rubin, served as AMPAS president for three years in recent terms before current president Janet Young was elected in 2022.

Over the years there have been objections in some corners, particularly from some members of the Directors Branch who felt that the name of the acting director, as well as the nature of the acting would be a conflict, not only with their name but also with something they are into. Very involved. Clearly, that thinking has now been overcome by this vote by the Board of Governors.

The Television Academy has long held Emmys for Choice Directors, so this move by AMPAS seems overdue.
Category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award will be announced in April 2025 along with the rules for the full 98th Academy Awards. Details of the award presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and administrative leadership at a later date.

This development is certainly likely to encourage those behind them to also create a competitive category for stunt actors to continue. they A decades-long effort that has also received good media coverage.