Norwegian Kjersti Paulsen wins Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting for 'The Innocents', beats 'CODA'

Kjersti Paulsen has been named the winner of the Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting for her work on "The Innocents”, directed by Norwegian Eskil Vogt, at a ceremony on Saturday at the Turin Film Festival.

The psychological thriller about four children who suddenly discover they have hidden powers has celebrated its world premiere at Cannes, with Variety's Jessica Kiang praised its "outstanding child performers".

"The producer, director and I agreed on the importance of finding the right kids and him gave the highest priority. All the other characters had to wait," Paulsen said before his victory.

"My job is to create an environment where children feel safe and can participate in the play of role we bring them in. Then I have to determine the children's capacity for empathy, their ability to listen to co-players, their imagination and their self-confidence.”

The award - established in 2016 by the International Casting Directors Network (ICDN) - is awarded to members and non-members, with the ceremony taking place each year in a different country. Then it will be London's turn, in cooperation with the Casting Directors' Guild of Great Britain & Ireland.

"Having young protagonists is a particular challenge. Each of my colleagues must have their own way of working with children or very young actors," said ICDN President Timka Grin, who recently produced the Bosnian drama series "The Hollow". p>

"Once I was looking for a young teenager to play a young warrior in a historic movie. One day on the street, someone passed me and my husband on the skateboard. It turned out to be a girl. Who was still perfect for the part!"

Deborah Aquila, Lisa Zagoria, Tricia Wood, Lisa Lobel and Angela Peri, behind Oscar-winning "CODA" » , were also among the all-female nominees. As well as An Dorthe Braker ("Fabian - Going to the Dogs"), Constance Demontoy ("Rise") and Catrin Wideryd, noted for "Comedy Queen".

Last year, Lucy Pardee won the trophy for "Rocks" by Sarah Gavron. Sara Törnkvist ("Border") and Francesco Vedovati ("Dogman") are also among its recipients.

"In my opinion, we are still one of the most underrated departments in the industry" , says ICDN member Piotr Bartuszek, responsible for casting "High Life" alongside Des Hamilton.

"Just kidding, but we've decided that since no one is giving us these awards, we'll do this ourselves We will celebrate exceptional films and the exceptional achievements of casting directors."

As Bartuszek noted, a lot has changed over the years, with BAFTA adding an award for casting and American casting director David Rubin becomes president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. However, there is still no Oscar for best casting.

"The idea is to recognize the work of our colleagues. I think it is very beneficial for the community, because we learn a lot from each other and about each other,” Grin added, with Bartuszek comparing the ICDN to a “spy ring.”

"We have 120 members on five continents and this allows us to exchange experiences and knowledge on the specifics of working in each country. It is a friendly cooperation."

According to Grin, love for film, theater and actors is crucial to making one director casting, as well as "a good eye for the script".

"Another important thing is to be passionate but patient, because people are sensitive. Casting means dealing and working with...