The Academy Has Revealed the Shortlist for the 2026 Best Casting Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the shortlist for the Casting category for the 98th Academy Awards, highlighting the essential work of casting directors in shaping cinematic storytelling. This year’s selection features a diverse range of films, from sweeping historical epics and intimate character studies to high-profile genre reimaginings. The Casting Directors Branch has recognized ensembles that balance star power with breakthrough performances, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape. The following ten films will advance to the final round of voting to determine the official nominees.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro delivers a dark and visceral interpretation of the classic Mary Shelley novel with a focus on the tragic relationship between creator and creation. The casting team assembled a formidable lineup that includes Oscar Isaac as the tormented scientist and Jacob Elordi as the creature. Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz provide crucial supporting performances that ground the gothic horror in emotional reality. This ensemble brings a fresh intensity to the familiar tale by highlighting the grotesque and the humane in equal measure.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

Chloé Zhao adapts Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel with a cast capable of conveying profound grief and artistic creation. Paul Mescal portrays William Shakespeare while Jessie Buckley takes on the central role of his wife Agnes in this story about the loss of their only son. The casting choices emphasize the raw and naturalistic performance style that Zhao is known for utilizing in her projects. Every actor in the film contributes to the quiet devastation that defines this period drama about family and memory.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

Director Josh Safdie returns with a high-energy biographical drama set in the world of professional table tennis. Timothée Chalamet leads the cast as the titular Marty Reisman and captures the eccentric charisma of the ping-pong champion. The supporting ensemble features Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Tyler, the Creator in roles that add to the film’s chaotic and vibrant atmosphere. The casting director successfully curated a group of actors who can match the frenetic pace and unique visual style of a Safdie production.

‘One Battle after Another’ (2025)

This gritty war drama relies heavily on its sprawling ensemble cast to depict the relentless nature of combat and survival. The casting directors faced the challenge of finding distinct faces to represent a diverse platoon of soldiers thrust into an impossible conflict. Blending established character actors with relative newcomers allows the film to maintain a sense of unpredictability and realism throughout the runtime. The collective performance serves as the emotional anchor for a narrative that prioritizes the human cost of war over spectacle.

‘The Secret Agent’ (2025)

Kleber Mendonça Filho sets this political thriller in 1970s Brazil during the military dictatorship. Wagner Moura stars as a university professor who must flee the city to escape government persecution in a role that demands both subtlety and intensity. The casting emphasizes authentic Brazilian talent to recreate the tension and paranoia of the era with historical accuracy. Maria Fernanda Cândido and Gabriel Leone round out a cast that effectively portrays a society living under constant surveillance.

‘Sentimental Value’ (2025)

Joachim Trier reunites with Renate Reinsve for this comedic drama about an actress and her estranged sister dealing with a family crisis. The film requires a cast that can navigate the delicate balance between dry Scandinavian humor and poignant emotional beats. The chemistry between the leads is essential to the narrative as they navigate the complexities of grief and reconciliation. The casting team excelled in finding actors who could deliver Trier’s sharp dialogue with the necessary naturalism and wit.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Ryan Coogler directs this supernatural thriller set in the Jim Crow-era South with Michael B. Jordan in a demanding dual role. The casting process involved assembling a supporting group that includes Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo to build a world steeped in folklore and fear. Jordan plays twin brothers who must defend their community from a terrifying ancient evil that lurks in the shadows. The actors bring a grounded gravity to the genre elements and elevate the film beyond a standard creature feature.

‘Sirāt’ (2025)

This intense spiritual drama follows a protagonist facing a moral reckoning on a journey that mirrors the Islamic concept of the bridge to the afterlife. The casting director focused on finding faces that could convey decades of history and internal conflict without relying on heavy dialogue. The film blends professional actors with non-professionals to create a texture of documentary-like realism. This approach results in a powerful ensemble performance that feels deeply rooted in the specific cultural and religious context of the story.

‘Weapons’ (2025)

Zach Cregger follows up his breakout success with a multi-stranded horror epic that weaves together several terrifying storylines. Josh Brolin and Julia Garner headline an expansive cast that must navigate a maze of paranoia and violence. The casting is crucial to the film’s structure as the audience must remain invested in multiple shifting perspectives and distinct character arcs. Alden Ehrenreich adds to an ensemble that effectively balances the mystery and dread inherent in the script.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The second chapter of Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation brings the story of Elphaba and Glinda to its dramatic conclusion. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return to their roles with vocal performances that anchor the massive production. The casting expands to include new magical figures and citizens of Oz who add depth to the growing political conflict within the fantasy world. Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum continue to provide strong support in a film that relies on the star power of its leads.

Share your predictions for which of these casting teams will take home the Oscar in the comments.