2026 Oscars: All 24 Awards to be Broadcast, Introducing a New Casting Prize

The 2026 Oscars will make history by including all 24 awards in its live broadcast. Among the highlights is the introduction of a new prize specifically for achievement in casting, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This new category will be featured during the 98th Academy Awards scheduled for March 15, 2026, alongside prestigious awards such as Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

The casting prize marks the first addition to the Oscars categories since the establishment of the Best Animated Feature Film in 2001. This change reflects the Academy's ongoing efforts to recognize diverse aspects of filmmaking.

The board of governors of the Academy confirmed the inclusion of this new award, which will see casting directors playing a crucial role in narrowing down the entries to a shortlist of ten films. The shortlists are expected to be announced on December 16, followed by the final nominees revealed on January 22.

Conan O’Brien has been confirmed as the host for the 2026 ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. ET.