The Academy Awards are adding a new category for the 2026 Oscars. The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new Oscars category yesterday, which will be put in place starting with the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. The Achievement in Casting Oscar will be the newest Academy Award added to the prestigious night since the introduction of the Best Animated Feature Film award in 2001. "Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a press release.