How Do You Judge Casting for the New Oscar?

The Academy has added an Oscar for best casting, but voters bring different perspectives to the new category. “Everyone’s going to have a different perspective when they sit down with their ballot,” Debra Zane said, adding, “for me, it’s about the storytelling, it’s about really making sure that this is all of one piece.” Critics note that voting often reflects personal taste, as it does in other categories where the academy tends to reward transformation or extravagant design.

Casting directors describe a wide skill set: negotiating with top talent, spotting breakout stars, and street casting. Zane emphasized that “any character who speaks in the screenplay will be cast by the casting director,” and often characters who don’t speak but interact with leads must be tested.

Jennifer Venditti noted different methods: “There’s people really great at putting lists together and doing deals and getting actors secured for movies, and then there’s other ones that are like this detective work.” The nominees show a range of approaches.

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