The Oscars are adding a new award to the live 2026 broadcast: achievement in casting. This bumps the total number of televised categories to 24 for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15. The Academy announced the casting category last year, but only now confirmed it will be included in the official broadcast. It’s the first permanent new category since Best Animated Feature was introduced in 2001 (setting aside the abandoned “popular film” idea). Another new category — stunt design — is planned for the 100th Oscars in 2028. Casting directors will curate a shortlist of 10 films, similar to how categories like documentary, international film, and visual effects operate. The shortlists drop Dec. 16, with final nominations following Jan. 22. Conan O’Brien is set to host the ceremony, airing live on ABC.