LOS ANGELES () — When fans tune in to the Oscars on March 15, they will see a brand new category. It’s the first one since Best Animated Film was introduced in 2001.
This new category is one that’s behind-the-scenes, but without it, there could be no movie magic. Once there’s a script, there needs to be actors to play the roles. That’s where casting directors come in.
For the first time in Oscar history, achievement in casting will be honored. One of the casting directors up for Oscar gold is Jennifer Venditti for “Marty Supreme.” We talked during the recent Oscars Nominees Luncheon. She acknowledges the category has been a long time coming.
“Yes, and I feel like it makes me emotional because there are so many incredible men and women that came before me that were part of this crusade, you know, to get this category nominated,” Venditti said.
It’s a job people outside the industry may not know even exists or what it’s all about.
“This work started for me being obsessed with people-watching. I always say I’m like psyched to be on jury duty. I love the DMV. I love all the places that people hate,” Venditti giggled.
The cast of “Marty Supreme” includes A-list names like Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow but it’s the names you may not know that thrill a casting director. “Odessa A’zion, who I’m just so excited for the world to be able to see what an incredible actress she is and what a bright light,” Venditti said.
She’s also the one who has to let people know when they’re not chosen for a role.
“But the great part of the story is that happened with Odessa,” Venditti said. “I met her originally for a show I did called ‘Euphoria’ and she wasn’t right, you know? And it’s six years later, she was right!”
Venditti will be in great company on Oscar night, competing with the casting directors from “Hamnet,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners” and “The Secret Agent.”
You’ll see it all Sunday, March 15 on .
FULL LIST: See the full list of nominees for the 2026 Oscars
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Our live Oscar preshow, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars,” begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT and will feature live interviews with the nominees, red carpet fashion analysis and more!
Watch the 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on and Hulu, followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”
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