Academy Awards Adds New Category In 2026, But It's Not Stunts

The Academy of Motion Pictures Art and Sciences have announced a new category. Starting in 2026, the Academy will bestow an award for best achievement in casting.

This is the first new category since Best Animated Feature in 2002 (which went to the masterpiece Shrek, in case you forgot). The Academy previously announced a "Most Popular" category, but this was scuttled after members rallied against it.

"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. We congratulate our casting directors branch members on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process," Academy president Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer said (via The Hollywood Reporter).

The introduction of this new casting award has renewed a discussion online about what other categories could or should be added in the future. Many on social media have once again called for the Academy to create a "stunts" category. The SAG Awards, for comparison, have had a stunts category for years.

The 96th Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 10. Oppenheimer leads the way with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. The Barbie movie also received numerous nominations, though director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie did not pick up nods.