A Historic First: The Oscar® Shortlist for Outstanding Achievement in Casting

As part of the 98th Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlists for 12 categories, including the Oscar® for Outstanding Achievement in Casting, marking a significant milestone for the casting profession within the Academy’s established awards process.

While shortlists are a routine and longstanding component of the Oscars®—used across multiple categories—this moment is notable in that casting is now fully participating in that formal pathway. It reflects years of advocacy and progress toward recognizing casting as an essential creative discipline in filmmaking.

For decades, casting directors have played a foundational role in shaping performances, ensembles, and storytelling—often behind the scenes. The introduction of a casting category within the Academy Awards® formally recognizes casting as a vital creative discipline and affirms its impact on the art of filmmaking.

Casting Society celebrates the shortlisted films and the casting directors whose work has been acknowledged through this inaugural shortlist. Each project reflects the collaboration, discernment, and creative leadership that casting brings to every stage of production.

Oscar® for Outstanding Achievement in Casting — Shortlisted Films

Ten films have advanced in the Casting category for the 98th Academy Awards®. The shortlisted films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

• Frankenstein

• Hamnet

• Marty Supreme

• One Battle After Another

• The Secret Agent

• Sentimental Value

• Sinners

• Sirât

• Weapons

• Wicked: For Good

These projects reflect a wide range of storytelling approaches and creative collaboration, underscoring the depth and scope of casting’s contribution to filmmaking.

About the Process

Members of the Academy’s Casting Directors Branch vote to determine both the shortlist and the nominees in this category. As part of the process, Academy members will be invited to view excerpts from the shortlisted films along with pre-recorded interviews with their casting directors in Los Angeles, London, and New York in early January.

Nominations voting will take place from January 12 through January 16, 2026, with the official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards® to be announced on January 22, 2026.

Recognizing the Work Behind the Work

Casting is both an art and a craft—one that requires creative vision, deep collaboration, and an understanding of story, character, and performance. The establishment of this category acknowledges the scope and influence of casting in shaping the cinematic experience.

CSA extends its appreciation to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Board of Governors, and especially the Casting Directors Branch Governors whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication helped bring this long-overdue recognition to life.

A Meaningful Step Forward

The release of the casting shortlist represents more than a new category—it reflects progress, visibility, and respect for the profession as a whole. It underscores the essential role casting directors and professionals play in the creative process and sets a new standard for recognizing excellence in filmmaking.

The presentation of the first Oscar® for Achievement in Casting will take place at the 98th Academy Awards® ceremony on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

CSA looks forward to following each phase of this historic inclusion and remains committed to supporting the casting community throughout the awards season and beyond.