The Academy Award for Achievement in Casting is the newest category at the Oscars. This marks a turning point in the film industry, with casting finally being recognised in the same way as editing, sound, production design, and visual effects.
The nominees this year were selected by the Casting Directors Branch. Hamnet’s casting director Nina Gold is best known for her work on Game of Thrones, The Crown, Conclave, and Slow Horses. Her work in Hamnet was clearly successful, with Jessie Buckley winning Best Actress at the Oscars, BAFTAs, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards. Gold’s decision to cast real-life brothers Jacobi and Noah Jupe was also widely praised, particularly Jacobi, who was only 11 while filming Hamnet. Marty Supreme’s casting director Jennifer Venditti has worked on Euphoria, as well as Josh Safdie’s other films, Uncut Gems and The Smashing Machine.
Gabriel Domingues, casting director for The Secret Agent - which left the Oscars empty-handed despite several nominations – was also nominated. Sinners’ casting director, Francine Maisler, arguably has the best filmography of all the nominees. With over 200 projects to her name, her work includes Challengers, as well as Timothée Chalamet’s major roles such as Dune, Little Women and The King. For fans of Heated Rivalry, Maisler also cast Connor Storrie in Joker: Folie à Deux, one of his first high-profile roles before joining the Crave series.
The winner of the inaugural Oscar went to Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another. Kulukundis has collaborated with Paul Thomas Anderson for decades now, serving as casting director on his previous projects such as Punch-Drunk Love, Magnolia, and The Master. She also played a role in casting for Gossip Girl. In One Battle After Another, Kulukundis ensured that the small cast felt like a range of well-rounded, unique characters. She mixed legends like Leonardo DiCaprio with a total newcomer, Chase Infiniti. This shows how casting goes beyond simply picking big names. Chemistry, diversity, and harnessing new talent are all central to the role of casting director.
The recognition of casting after so many years of protesting by casting directors shows how the industry is beginning to recognise all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into filmmaking. It is absurd to think that, in the early days, casting wasn’t even part of the end credits in most films.
Ultimately, the people on screen can make or break a film. Even with a weak plot or script, actors can turn a movie around. Take Pirates of the Caribbean for example, where Johnny Depp’s performance helped launch a successful franchise.
Even if you think Nina Gold or Francine Maisler were stronger contenders, it is important to recognise the significance of this award. Especially as casting direction is often a female-dominated role, it is great to see recognition for this job in particular.
One Battle After Another took home Best Picture and Best Casting, reinforcing the idea that great films start with great casting. Casting is now at the forefront of the Oscars, highlighting its central role in cinematic success.
