The 39th annual Casting Society Artios Awards celebrated the best casting in films, TV, and theater, with winners like 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Barbie,' and 'The Holdovers' taking home awards. The event marked the first in-person ceremony in three years, held in Los Angeles and New York City, with hosts Niecy Nash-Betts and comedian Alex Edelman sharing emcee duties between the two cities. Additionally, a ceremony for casting directors in London added to the global celebration.
One of the highlights of the night was the introduction of the newly added Academy Award for casting, a significant milestone in the industry. Starting in 2026, there will be a prize for the best achievement in casting, a culmination of a long-standing campaign for recognition within the field.
Ava DuVernay was honored with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement, recognizing her outstanding contributions to casting. The full list of winners included a diverse range of categories, from feature animation to theater casting.
In the film category, notable winners included 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' for Feature Animation, 'Killers of the Flower Moon' for Feature Big Budget - Drama, and 'Barbie' for The Zeitgeist Award. The TV and theater categories also saw deserving winners, such as 'Reservation Dogs' for Television Series - Comedy and 'Succession' for Television Series - Drama.
The awards also recognized excellence in theater casting, with productions like 'Leopoldstadt' and 'Into the Woods' receiving accolades for their performances on Broadway. Regional theater and special theatrical performances were also acknowledged, showcasing the breadth of talent in the industry.
The Casting Society Artios Awards not only celebrated the art of casting but also highlighted the crucial role that casting directors play in bringing stories to life on screen and stage. The event served as a platform to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of casting professionals across various mediums, setting the stage for continued excellence in the field.
