“Sinners, Wake Up Dead Man, Pillion Earn Casting Society Award Nominations”
The Casting Society of America (CSA) has announced the nominees for the 41st Artios Awards, set to recognize achievements in casting across various film categories. The awards will honor both comedy and drama works, spanning big-budget, independent, and low-budget productions. Featured prominently this year are notable nominees from the Oscar shortlist for the Academy’s inaugural Best Casting award.
Artios Awards Overview
First established in 1985, the annual Artios Awards celebrate the essential contributions of casting professionals in entertainment. Categories include film, television—both scripted and unscripted—as well as short films, commercials, and theater. Special recognition is also given each year to honor exceptional contributions to the craft.
2026 Ceremony Details
The upcoming awards will take place on February 26, 2026. The ceremonies will unfold across three cities:
- Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton
- New York City at the Edison Ballroom
- London at One Moorgate Place
Hosts of the Evening
This year’s events will feature several prominent hosts:
- Harvey Guillén from “What We Do in the Shadows” in Los Angeles
- Jeff Hiller, Emmy Award winner from “Somebody Somewhere” in New York
- Jessica Gunning, Emmy and Golden Globe winner from “Baby Reindeer” in London
Major Nominees
Among the celebrated nominations for the Artios Awards are:
- Big Budget Comedy: “The Naked Gun,” “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” and “Sinners.”
- Big Budget Drama: “F1: The Movie,” “Hamnet,” and “Frankenstein.”
- Animated Feature: “Zootopia 2” and “The Bad Guys 2.”
- Independent Comedy: “Friendship” and “The Wedding Banquet.”
Special Honorees
Several individuals will also receive special awards for their significant contributions to the world of casting:
- Lynn Stalmaster Award: Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television.
- Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
- Hoyt Bowers Award: Julie Ashton, an Emmy-nominated casting director.
- Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award: Laura Adler, recognized for her humanitarian contributions.
- Capelier-Shaw Award for Excellence in Casting: Kate Rhodes James.
- Global Impact Award: GAP Workshops, enhancing opportunities for trans actors.
- Los Angeles Associate Spotlight Award: Leslie Wasserman.
- New York Associate Spotlight Award: Dustin Presley.
The Artios Awards not only highlight the talents in casting but also foster a sense of community within the industry. The rich array of nominations and special awards reflect both emerging and established talent across different genres and formats.
