The Oscars are adding a new category — but it's still not for stunts

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has added many new members in recent years, and now they're adding a new category — the first time the Oscars have introduced one in more than 20 years.

But, contrary to the hopes of many observers, this award will not recognize stunt performances. Instead, the competitive category will be for Achievement in Casting and will honor casting directors.

“Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We congratulate our Casting Directors Branch members on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process.”

The Casting Directors Branch was created in July 2013, and according to the Academy it has nearly 160 members. More than a decade later, they will finally be able to honor the best among them.

The nominations for this year's awards, which will honor the best films of 2023, have already been announced, of course, but don't expect the casting category to make an appearance on Oscar ballots later this year either. The inaugural award in this category will first be presented in 2026 as part of the the 98th Academy Awards, which will honor films released in 2025.

The specifics of the award's presentation are still to be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors. Category rules for eligibility will be officially announced in April 2025.

The most recent new category before this was Best Animated Feature Film, introduced in 2001.

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