The Academy Has Reveales the Best Casting Contenders Shortlist for the 2026 Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the shortlist for the Casting category for the 98th Academy Awards. This year features a diverse selection of ten films that showcase exceptional achievements in ensemble assembly and character matching. Members of the Casting Directors Branch have voted to narrow down the field from eligible releases to this select group. Academy members will view excerpts and interviews with the casting directors in Los Angeles, London, and New York in early January. The final nominees will be determined from this list of standout contenders.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro delivers a dark and atmospheric adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel for Netflix. Jacob Elordi stars as the creature alongside Oscar Isaac who plays the ambitious Victor Frankenstein. The casting team assembled a supporting cast that includes Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz to ground the gothic horror in emotional reality. Each actor brings a unique intensity to this tragic tale of creation and abandonment. The ensemble navigates the complex moral landscape with profound depth and chemistry.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

Directed by Chloé Zhao, this period drama adapts Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about the life and loss of William Shakespeare’s son. Jessie Buckley takes on the central role of Agnes while Paul Mescal portrays the famous playwright. The film relies heavily on the raw emotional connection between its leads to convey deep grief and resilience. Supporting performances from Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn round out the cast of this intimate family portrait. The casting successfully captures the historical setting while prioritizing human vulnerability.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

Josh Safdie directs this high-energy biopic inspired by the life of ping pong champion Marty Reisman. Timothée Chalamet leads the film with a charismatic performance that captures the eccentric spirit of the sports legend. The production features an eclectic mix of talent including Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Tyler, the Creator. Casting directors faced the challenge of blending professional actors with unique personalities to match the film’s frenetic tone. The result is a vibrant ensemble that embodies the chaotic world of professional table tennis.

‘One Battle after Another’ (2025)

This sprawling contemporary epic features a massive ensemble cast navigating a narrative of political and personal conflict. Leonardo DiCaprio anchors the film with a commanding performance supported by Sean Penn and Regina Hall. The casting process involved securing a diverse group of industry veterans to portray the vast array of characters. The interactions between these high-profile stars create a dynamic tension that drives the film’s momentum. It stands as a testament to the logistical and artistic feat of assembling such a significant roster of talent.

‘The Secret Agent’ (2025)

Based on the classic novel, this tense thriller explores a web of espionage and betrayal in a volatile political climate. The film stars a tight-knit group of actors who must convey suspicion and duplicity through subtle performances. The narrative requires the cast to balance the external tension of the plot with internal psychological turmoil. Casting choices focused on performers capable of delivering dialogue-heavy scenes with precision and ambiguity. The ensemble creates a palpable atmosphere of paranoia essential to the genre.

‘Sentimental Value’ (2025)

Joachim Trier reunites with Renate Reinsve for this poignant drama about an actress and her estranged family. The story explores the complexities of grief and memory through a sharply written and character-driven script. Reinsve leads a cast that includes Elle Fanning and portrays the nuances of intergenerational relationships. The casting highlights the director’s signature naturalistic style and the intimate chemistry between the performers. Every role serves to deepen the emotional resonance of the family’s journey.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Ryan Coogler returns with a supernatural horror film set in the Jim Crow-era South. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role that demands a high degree of physical and emotional versatility. The supporting cast includes Delroy Lindo and Hailee Steinfeld who help ground the fantastical elements in historical reality. Casting this project required finding actors who could handle both the terrified reactions of a horror movie and the dramatic weight of the period setting. The ensemble works together to build a sense of dread and community.

‘Sirāt’ (2025)

Óliver Laxe directs this visually stunning film that follows a caravan traversing the deserts of North Africa. The casting team undertook an extensive search to find non-professional actors who could carry the weight of this spiritual odyssey. The film relies on the raw and unvarnished presence of its mostly unknown cast to convey a narrative about faith and disappearance. This approach blurs the line between documentary and fiction to create a deeply immersive experience. The result is a courageous ensemble that offers a profound look at the human condition.

‘Weapons’ (2025)

Zach Cregger follows his previous horror success with this multi-narrative epic involving the disappearance of students in a small town. Josh Brolin leads a sprawling cast that includes Julia Garner and Alden Ehrenreich in intersecting storylines. The film balances multiple perspectives and timelines which required a cohesive yet distinct group of actors. Casting focused on finding performers who could sustain high levels of tension across different plot threads. The ensemble effectively captures the panic and mystery gripping the community.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The second chapter of the musical adaptation sees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return to their iconic roles as Elphaba and Glinda. This installment delves deeper into the political turmoil of Oz and the ultimate destiny of the witches. Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum provide strong support as the story reaches its dramatic conclusion. The casting maintains the vocal power and theatrical charisma established in the first film. The chemistry between the leads remains the emotional anchor of this grand cinematic spectacle.

Share your thoughts on which film you think deserves to win the Casting Oscar in the comments.