The Casting Society of America (CSA) recently honored outstanding achievements in casting during its annual Artios Awards ceremony. Held simultaneously in Los Angeles, New York, and London, the event recognized excellence across various categories including feature films, television series, commercials, and theater productions. Notable winners included "Wicked," "Hacks," and "RuPaul’s Drag Race." The ceremony also introduced new international categories and celebrated distinguished professionals with special awards. Additionally, CSA announced plans to expand its global presence by adding a London Theater Award category in 2026 and made charitable contributions to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
During the prestigious event, the casting community gathered to celebrate the artistry behind selecting talent for some of the most acclaimed productions. Hosted by Janelle James in Los Angeles, Jordan Carlos in New York, and Susan Wokoma in London, the ceremonies brought together over 1,500 guests. Among the highlights was the presentation of the Hoyt Bowers Award for Excellence in Casting to John Papsidera for his work on "Oppenheimer." This award was presented by filmmaker Jason Reitman. In New York, Daniel Swee received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award for his contributions to Lincoln Center Theater, while Juliette Meanger was honored with the Capelier-Shaw Award for Excellence in Casting in London, presented by Luca Guadagnino.
The introduction of new categories reflects the evolving nature of the industry and the expanding global influence of the CSA. A notable addition is the International Feature category, which recognizes excellence in casting for films produced outside the United States. Emilia Perez's "Emilia Pérez" won this inaugural award. Another significant win was "The Wild Robot," which took home the Best Animated Feature accolade. These additions underscore the organization's commitment to recognizing diverse and innovative casting practices worldwide.
The Artios Awards not only celebrate current achievements but also look toward the future. Destiny Lilly, President of CSA, announced the creation of the London Theater Award for 2026, aimed at honoring excellence in casting within U.K. theater. This move signals the society's dedication to fostering global collaboration and recognition. Moreover, CSA demonstrated its social responsibility by contributing to organizations supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, highlighting its commitment to community engagement alongside professional accolades.
The evening concluded with a comprehensive list of winners spanning multiple genres and platforms. From big-budget comedies like "Wicked" to critically acclaimed dramas such as "A Complete Unknown" and "Conclave," the awards covered an impressive range of projects. Television series, both scripted and unscripted, were equally celebrated, with "Hacks," "Shogun," and "RuPaul’s Drag Race" among the recipients. The diversity of winners underscores the vital role that casting plays in shaping compelling narratives across all forms of media.