News•Mar 9, 2026
New Category at the 2026 Oscars: Best Casting and Its Presence in the “Big Five”
The Academy introduced an inaugural Best Casting Oscar at the 98th ceremony, formally recognizing the pivotal role of casting directors. Nominees include Nina Gold for Hamnet, Cassandra Kulukundis for Battle After Another, Jennifer Venditti for Marty Supreme, Francine Maisler for Sinners, and Gabriel Domingues for Secret Agent. All five films also contend for Best Picture and several other major categories, highlighting casting’s influence across the awards landscape. The new category underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking and may reshape future Oscar campaigning.
