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The Oscar category for Best Casting is only in its second year, and early predictions already point to two bold, unconventional films as the strongest contenders. According to Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis, whose predictions update every Thursday, the race raises an important question: will voters reward genuine casting ambition, or simply default to the biggest ensemble in the Best Picture field?
Two Films Stand Out Early
Two titles have emerged as early frontrunners in the casting category. The first is Being Heumann, directed by Siân Heder for Apple. The film tells the story of Judy Heumann and the 1977 San Francisco sit-in that pressured the government to enforce disability rights. The second is La Bola Negra, a Netflix epic directed by Los Javis, which follows three gay men across three different eras of Spain.
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Both films took significant creative risks with their casting. However, the nature of those risks differs considerably between the two productions.
Bold Casting Choices Behind Each Film
For Being Heumann, casting directors Bernie Telsey and Adam Caldwell placed more than 20 disabled actors on screen alongside breakout lead Ruth Madeley. Many of those performers had little or no prior acting experience. That approach represents a larger creative gamble than assembling any star-studded Hollywood ensemble.
Meanwhile, on La Bola Negra, casting directors Eva Leira and Yolanda Serrano built a cast for directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi that blends newcomers with established legends. Pop singer Guitarricadelafuente makes his acting debut in the film, joined by first-time actors Milo Quifes and Carlos González. At the same time, the production secured screen icons Penélope Cruz and a Spanish-speaking Glenn Close. The result is a cast that genuinely prioritizes discovery.
Key Oscar Dates Ahead
The Governors Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, November 15. At that event, Glenn Close and Ridley Scott will each receive honorary Oscars. After that, preliminary voting for the Oscar shortlist across 12 categories runs from December 7 to 11, with the shortlist announcement following on Tuesday, December 15.
The eligibility period closes on December 31, 2026. Nominations voting then runs from January 11 to 15, 2027. The Academy will announce the official Oscar nominations on Thursday, January 21, 2027. Finally, the 99th Academy Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, hosted by Conan O’Brien. The show airs live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and reaches more than 200 territories worldwide from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
As the awards season progresses, additional films may still emerge as casting contenders during the phase one period. For now, Being Heumann and La Bola Negra set a high standard for what bold, purposeful casting can look like in this still-young Oscar category.
