The 40th annual Casting Society Artios Awards celebrated the best in casting for film, television, and theater, marking a triumphant return to in-person ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York after three years. The event, hosted by Janelle James, Jordan, and Susan Wokoma, showcased the artistry and dedication of casting professionals who play a pivotal role in bringing stories to life. Among the top film winners were “Wicked,” “Conclave,” and “A Complete Unknown,” each recognized for outstanding casting that elevated their respective narratives. This year’s ceremony not only honored exceptional work but also highlighted the growing recognition of casting as a critical component of storytelling, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences set to introduce its first-ever casting Oscar in 2026.
The film category featured standout performances, with “Wicked” earning Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield the award for Big Budget Comedy. Telsey also secured wins for “Here We Are” and “The Idea of You,” making him one of the night’s most celebrated casting directors. Nina Gold similarly dominated with three awards for her work on “Baby Reindeer,” “Conclave,” and “Slow Horses,” showcasing her versatility across genres and mediums. Other notable winners included Yesi Ramirez for “A Complete Unknown” in the Big Budget Drama category and Christi Soper Hilt for “The Wild Robot” in Animation. The introduction of a new category for International Film highlighted the global reach of casting excellence, with “Emilia Perez” taking home the award.
Television categories were equally competitive, with “Hacks” (Season 3) earning Nicole Abellera Hallman and Jeanne McCarthy the prize for Television Series Comedy. Drama honors went to Nina Gold for “Slow Horses” (Season 3), while “Baby Reindeer” claimed the Limited Series award. In the reality TV space, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (Season 16) was recognized for its dynamic casting by Goloka Bolte and Ethan Petersen, and “Queer Eye” (Season 8) won for Structured & Unstructured Reality Series. The rise of international productions was evident in the new International Television Series category, where “Monsieur Spade” took home the award. These wins underscore theκή role of casting in shaping compelling on-screen ensembles that captivate audiences worldwide.
The theater community was also celebrated, with Broadway productions “The Outsiders” and “Here We Are” earning top honors in Musical and New York Theater categories, respectively. Bernard Telsey and Adam Caldwell were recognized for their work on “Here We Are,” while “Stereophonic” won for Comedy or Drama. Regional and touring productions were also acknowledged, with “A Strange Loop” and “MJ the Musical” receiving awards. Special Theatrical Performance honors went to “West Side Story” (Lyric Opera of Chicago), highlighting the enduring power of live theater and the importance of casting in creating unforgettable stage experiences.
In addition to the competitive categories, the Casting Society honored several individuals for their contributions to the field. John Papsidera received the Hoyt Bowers Award, Daniel Swee was awarded the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, and Juliette Ménager was recognized with the Capelier-Shaw Award. Zora DeHorter posthumously received the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award, celebrating her dedication to the craft and her impact on the industry. These honorees exemplify the passion and dedication that define the casting community, both on and off the screen.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the Artios Awards remind us of the critical role casting plays in storytelling. From finding the perfect actor for a leading role to assembling diverse and dynamic ensembles, casting professionals are the unsung heroes behind the magic of film, television, and theater. With the announcement of the inaugural casting Oscar in 2026, the industry is set to recognize this vital craft on its biggest stage. The 40th annual Artios Awards not only celebrated past achievements but also looked to the future, acknowledging the enduring importance of casting in bringing stories to life.
