The Oscars have just announced the addition of a brand-new category to their prestigious lineup: an award for casting directors.

This groundbreaking decision comes after years of passionate advocacy within Hollywood circles, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the vital contributions of casting professionals to the filmmaking process, reports The Statesman.

This marks the first new category introduced to the awards show in over two decades, since the inception of Best Animated Feature Film in 2001.

“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,” remarked Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement released on Thursday.

The decision has been met with widespread acclaim from casting directors across Hollywood, who have long advocated for formal recognition from the film academy.

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