Academy Awards Adds New Category Recognizing Casting for 2026 Show

Bringing the total prize count to 24, the Oscars will now offer an award for casting in films that were released this year and beyond.

Oscar statuettes are displayed at Times Square Studios 23 in New York in January 2006. Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Nov. 19 introduced a new award up for grabs at the 2026 Oscars, bringing the total prize count to 24 for the live broadcast.

The academy confirmed to the Associated Press it will recognize the achievement for casting in films that were released this year and beyond.

The move marks the first time a new category has been added since 2001, when the “Best Animated Feature Film” category was established.

The academy also plans to recognize the art of stunts in movies, with the “Stunt Design Awards” slated to make its debut during the 100th Oscars in 2028.

Some of the distinguished award categories include, “Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role,” “Best Director,” “Best Picture,” “Academy Award for Best Visual Effects,” “Best Costume Design” and more.

The award show has seen its fair share of changes. Back in April, the academy updated its rules and guidelines regarding voting eligibility for films and regulations regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The Board of Governors announced members must watch all movies nominated within a category to be eligible to take part in the final round of voting.

This, in comparison to previous years, where members were only encouraged to watch the nominated films and vote where they felt compelled or qualified to, a move that questioned the integrity of voting in the first place.

“There will be a preliminary round of voting to determine a shortlist of 10 films,” read the April 21 press release. “Prior to nominations voting, Casting Directors Branch members will be invited to view a ‘bake-off’ presentation of the shortlisted achievements, including a Q&A with the designated nominees.”

Further, with the growing prevalence of generative AI in filmmaking, the academy noted that its usage will neither make nor break a nomination.

“With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination,” read the statement. “The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award.”

Meanwhile, the shortlist of nominees for the upcoming Academy Awards are set to be announced on Dec. 16, before final nominees are revealed on Jan. 22, 2026.

The 98th annual event will air live on ABC and streamed on Hulu on March 15, at 7 p.m. ET, hosted by comedian and late-night TV personality Conan O'Brien.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.