Oscars 2026 introduces new 'casting' award; nominations process revealed

Entertainment Nov 20, 2025

The Oscars are adding a brand-new casting category for the 2026 ceremony, marking the first fresh award since 2001.
This move finally puts casting directors in the spotlight for their role in shaping movies.

How does the new category work?

A special branch of casting directors will pick a shortlist of 10 films, with that list dropping on December 16, 2025.
Final nominees get announced January 22, and everything wraps up at the live show hosted by Conan O'Brien on March 15—catch it all on ABC at 7pm ET.