Oscars announce new casting award

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A new Best Casting Oscar will be introduced starting in 2026, the Oscars organizers announced.

It will be the first new competitive category at the ceremony since the addition of best feature film d animation in 2002.

Casting directors have campaigned in recent years to be recognized in the same way as other cinema professions such as sound, costumes , hair and makeup.

In a statement, Academy directors said casting directors "play a vital role in making films."

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang continued: "As the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines we recognize and celebrate.

"We congratulate the members of our Casting Directors branch on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process."

The category will not be introduced until the 2026 ceremony due to the anticipated time frame for awards campaigns.

The move comes despite the Academy's efforts to shorten the Oscars ceremony in recent years in an effort to keep viewers...