Reported 12 months ago
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2026 will introduce a new Oscar category for Best Casting to recognize the achievements of outstanding professionals, marking a milestone for the industry. Casting directors play a crucial role in the success of a film, and their contribution is finally being acknowledged after years of being overlooked. Excellent casting directors must have a keen eye for talent, a deep understanding of the script and characters, and recommend the most suitable actors to directors. The article highlights the story of casting director Cindy Tolan, who spent a year and a half auditioning 30,000 individuals globally to cast the perfect actors for 'West Side Story,' including convincing actress Ariana DeBose four times to accept the role of Anita after initially refusing, eventually leading her to win multiple film awards, including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Tolan's success in casting received further recognition with a BAFTA Award for Best Casting.
Source: YAHOO