Oscars 2026 to introduce new category during next year's ceremony
What's the story
The 98th Academy Awards, set for March 2026, will introduce a new award category for casting, reported The Associated Press. This addition brings the total number of awards to 24. The Academy confirmed that the live broadcast will include all traditional categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. The event will be aired on ABC.
Academy's decision
First new category to be introduced at Oscars since 2001
The introduction of the casting award marks a major milestone for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, marking its first new category since Best Animated Feature Film was introduced in 2001. The board of governors announced this new prize last year, although it wasn't confirmed if it would be included in the official broadcast.
Shortlisting process
Casting directors to shortlist films for new category
Members of the casting directors' branch will help narrow down the selection to 10 shortlisted movies for this new category. This method is also used by other categories such as documentary, song, sound, score, visual effects, international feature film, makeup & hair styling, and the three short film categories. The shortlists are set to be announced on December 16, with final nominees revealed on January 22.
Hosting details
Conan O'Brien to host 98th Academy Awards
Conan O'Brien has already confirmed his role as host for the 98th Academy Awards. The ceremony will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 4:30am to 7:30am according to Indian Standard Time (IST). The announcement comes after Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound was chosen as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars.