The International Casting Directors Association (ICDA), in collaboration with the European Film Academy, will host a special event during the Berlinale on 14 February to celebrate EFA’s introduction of its new European Casting Director Award.
The event, supported by key industry partners Spotlight and Filmmakers Europe, will showcase the crucial role of casting directors in the creative success of films and will begin with a reception, followed by a panel discussion introduced by EFA President Matthijs Wouter Knol and ICDA President Lana Veenker.
The Substance filmmaker Coralie Fargeat and other industry leaders will share insights on the artistic collaboration between casting directors and filmmakers before Coralie introduces a special screening of The Substance. Led by Demi Moore, The Substance critiques misogyny and the objectification of bodies, with its cast playing an essential role in the film’s global box office and awards success, with five Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and multiple European Film Awards.
“The introduction of the new Casting Award is a pivotal moment for our profession and is something for which we have advocated for many years,” said Veenker. “This event celebrates the artistry and vision that casting directors bring to the filmmaking process. We are proud to partner with the European Film Academy to highlight the importance of casting in storytelling.” Lana Veenker, ICDA President
“With the introduction of the first member chapters at the European Film Academy, we applaud that the work of casting directors can be further acknowledged this way. Excellent casting has been instrumental in the creation of remarkable films, and the casting of European talent beyond national borders is an essential part of building a European film culture with recognisable stars. The work of casting directors, with the late Simone Bär serving as a memorable example, is crucial for compelling storytelling. The European Film Academy will work closely together with ICDA to increase the connection between European casting directors and the wider European film community.”
Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director European Film Academy
The new European Casting Director Award will debut in January 2026 and aligns with a broader industry trend towards recognising the vital contributions of casting directors as creative collaborators and heads of department. This follows the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ (AMPAS) announcement that a Best Casting category will premiere at the Oscars in 2026. These developments highlight a growing global appreciation for casting as a cornerstone of filmmaking.
