Oscars Shake-Up: Casting Nominee Shares Insight on Groundbreaking New Category

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — When movie enthusiasts switch on the Academy Awards this March 15, they’ll witness the introduction of an exciting new category. This marks the first addition since the Best Animated Film category was established back in 2001.

This fresh category highlights a crucial yet often unseen part of filmmaking. Once a script is penned, actors must be found to bring those words to life, and that’s where casting directors play a pivotal role.

For the first time in Oscar history, the art of casting will receive its well-deserved recognition. Among those vying for the first-ever casting accolade is Jennifer Venditti, recognized for her work on “Marty Supreme.” We caught up with her at the recent Oscars Nominees Luncheon, where she expressed that acknowledging this category has been a long-awaited development.

“Yes, and I feel like it makes me emotional because there are so many incredible men and women that came before me that were part of this crusade, you know, to get this category nominated,” Venditti shared.

Casting is a role that many outside the industry might not even realize exists or understand its significance.

“This work started for me being obsessed with people-watching. I always say I’m like psyched to be on jury duty. I love the DMV. I love all the places that people hate,” Venditti giggled.

The cast of “Marty Supreme” includes A-list names like Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow but it’s the names you may not know that thrill a casting director. “Odessa A’zion, who I’m just so excited for the world to be able to see what an incredible actress she is and what a bright light,” Venditti said.

She’s also the one who has to let people know when they’re not chosen for a role.

“But the great part of the story is that happened with Odessa,” Venditti said. “I met her originally for a show I did called ‘Euphoria’ and she wasn’t right, you know? And it’s six years later, she was right!”

Venditti will be in great company on Oscar night, competing with the casting directors from “Hamnet,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners” and “The Secret Agent.”

You’ll see it all Sunday, March 15 on ABC.

FULL LIST: See the full list of nominees for the 2026 Oscars