The Casting Society of America (CSA) recently honored outstanding achievements in casting during its annual Artios Awards ceremony. Held simultaneously in Los Angeles, New York, and London, the event recognized excellence across various categories including feature films, television series, commercials, and theater productions. Notable winners included "Wicked," "Hacks," and "RuPaul’s Drag Race." The ceremony also introduced new international categories and celebrated distinguished professionals with special awards. Additionally, CSA announced plans to expand its global presence by adding a London Theater Award category in 2026 and made charitable contributions to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
During the prestigious event, the casting community gathered to celebrate the artistry behind selecting talent for some of the most acclaimed productions. Hosted by Janelle James in Los Angeles, Jordan Carlos in New York, and Susan Wokoma in London, the ceremonies brought together over 1,500 guests. Among the highlights was the presentation of the Hoyt Bowers Award for Excellence in Casting to John Papsidera for his work on "Oppenheimer." This award was presented by filmmaker Jason Reitman. In New York, Daniel Swee received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award for his contributions to Lincoln Center Theater, while Juliette Meanger was honored with the Capelier-Shaw Award for Excellence in Casting in London, presented by Luca Guadagnino.
The introduction of new categories reflects the evolving nature of the industry and the expanding global influence of the CSA. A notable addition is the International Feature category, which recognizes excellence in casting for films produced outside the United States. Emilia Perez's "Emilia Pérez" won this inaugural award. Another significant win was "The Wild Robot," which took home the Best Animated Feature accolade. These additions underscore the organization's commitment to recognizing diverse and innovative casting practices worldwide.
The Artios Awards not only celebrate current achievements but also look toward the future. Destiny Lilly, President of CSA, announced the creation of the London Theater Award for 2026, aimed at honoring excellence in casting within U.K. theater. This move signals the society's dedication to fostering global collaboration and recognition. Moreover, CSA demonstrated its social responsibility by contributing to organizations supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, highlighting its commitment to community engagement alongside professional accolades.
The evening concluded with a comprehensive list of winners spanning multiple genres and platforms. From big-budget comedies like "Wicked" to critically acclaimed dramas such as "A Complete Unknown" and "Conclave," the awards covered an impressive range of projects. Television series, both scripted and unscripted, were equally celebrated, with "Hacks," "Shogun," and "RuPaul’s Drag Race" among the recipients. The diversity of winners underscores the vital role that casting plays in shaping compelling narratives across all forms of media.
In a poignant celebration of musical creativity, the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) held its sixth annual awards ceremony at the Skirball Cultural Center. The event brought together an array of talented composers and lyricists for an evening of recognition and solidarity. Hosted by singer-songwriter Colin Hays, the night was marked by both joyous accolades and heartfelt tributes to those affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Key highlights included prestigious awards for outstanding contributions to film, television, and interactive media scores, as well as original songs.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
On a crisp autumn evening, the Skirball Cultural Center played host to the sixth annual SCL Awards, where the music community gathered to celebrate the year's most exceptional compositions and lyrics. Singer-songwriter Colin Hays masterfully guided the proceedings, setting a tone that balanced celebration with reflection. The event began with a moving performance of “Lean on Me,” symbolizing unity in the wake of the devastating wildfires that had recently ravaged Los Angeles. Throughout the evening, moments of recognition were interspersed with acknowledgments of the community's resilience. Composer Starr Parodi, who lost her home in the Palisades Fire, received a replacement plaque for her jury award, adding a deeply personal touch to the festivities.
The night honored several remarkable achievements. Kris Bowers won for his work on The Wild Robot, while Daniel Blumberg took home the top prize for The Brutalist. Diane Warren’s contribution to The Six Triple Eight earned her the Outstanding Original Song award. Other notable winners included Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Luca Guadagnino for their collaboration on Challengers. Composer Harry Gregson-Williams accepted the Spirit of Collaboration Award for his partnership with director Ridley Scott, who sent a video message expressing his gratitude. Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal also received the jury award for his outstanding work.
Categories such as Outstanding Original Score for Studio Films, Independent Films, Television Productions, and Interactive Media were celebrated, showcasing the diversity and depth of musical talent across various media platforms. Special recognition went to emerging talent through the David Raksin Award, highlighting the future of the industry.
In a touching moment, the audience witnessed a performance led by Harry Gregson-Williams, featuring compositions from his collaborations with Ridley Scott, including the acclaimed score from The Martian.
The evening concluded with a sense of camaraderie and hope, as the music community reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and mutual support in the face of adversity.
From a journalist’s perspective, this event underscores the power of music to bring people together during challenging times. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of hardship, creativity and community can thrive. The SCL Awards not only celebrate artistic achievement but also highlight the resilience and solidarity of the music industry. This event leaves us inspired, reminding us that art has the unique ability to heal and unite.
Actor Karan V Grover reflects on the significant changes in television over his two-decade-long career. From long-running shows to the premature closure of daily soaps, Grover observes that television has undergone a dramatic transformation. In the early 2000s, family dramas dominated the screen and left a lasting impression on viewers. However, as time progressed, these narratives became predictable. The rise of OTT platforms introduced new avenues for storytelling, offering audiences diverse content options. Consequently, TV shows now struggle to retain viewers due to repetitive formats and lack of innovation. Grover expresses a desire for television to explore genres beyond traditional ones, such as horror, comedy, children’s content, superhero shows, and sci-fi. He acknowledges the creative satisfaction offered by OTT platforms, which provide fresh approaches to storytelling and higher production quality.
A Journey Through Two Decades of Television
In the span of twenty years, actor Karan V Grover has witnessed television evolve from an era dominated by long-running family dramas to one where daily soaps frequently close prematurely. During the early 2000s, when soap operas were relatively new, they captured the hearts of many viewers. However, over time, these narratives grew repetitive, leading to disengagement. The emergence of OTT platforms revolutionized content consumption, providing audiences with a plethora of choices. As a result, viewers are less likely to remain engaged with monotonous storytelling. Grover highlights the need for television to break free from predictable narratives, particularly those centered around female protagonists as victims or sole problem-solvers. He wishes for more exploration of diverse genres on TV, including horror, comedy, children’s content, superhero shows, and sci-fi. Despite this, he remains content with the variety of roles he has played, from an 18th-century king in Dhruv Tara to a psychopathic lover in Udaariyaan. Grover believes that OTT platforms offer greater creative freedom and production quality, making them a preferred medium for innovative storytelling.
From a journalist's perspective, Grover's insights highlight the importance of adapting to changing audience preferences. The television industry must embrace innovation and diversity in storytelling to stay relevant. As viewers seek fresh and engaging content, it is crucial for creators to explore new genres and formats. The rise of OTT platforms serves as a testament to the evolving media landscape, offering both challenges and opportunities for the future of television.