Oscars to broadcast all 24 awards in 2026, including new casting prize

The Oscars will broadcast all 24 awards in their March 2026 ceremony — including a newly introduced prize for achievement in casting, the Academy confirmed to The Associated Press.

First announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' board of governors last year, the casting award marks the first addition to the Oscars lineup since the best animated feature category was introduced in 2001.

The inclusion of this prize brings the total number of live-televised awards to 24 on March 15, when the 98th Academy Awards will take place.

While the casting honour is new to the main broadcast, the Academy has also laid groundwork for a stunt design award, set to debut at the 100th Oscars in 2028.

Members of the Academy's casting directors branch will help determine a shortlist of 10 films, mirroring the selection processes used in categories such as documentary, international film, makeup & hairstyling, score, song, sound, visual effects and short films.

That shortlist will be announced on December 16, with final nominees revealed on January 22.

Conan O'Brien is confirmed to host the event, which will air live on ABC at 7 pm ET.