The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2024, will introduce a significant new category for Best Casting Direction. This addition marks the first time since the Best Animated Feature category was established in 2001 that a new competitive category has been created. The award acknowledges the essential contribution of casting directors in assembling a film's cast, which has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of filmmaking. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in February 2024, highlighting a growing recognition of the unique skills required in casting.