BERLIN, 5 FEBRUARY 2025 – 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.

ICDA and European Film Academy Celebrate New Casting Award with Special Event during Berlinale (10).pdf

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.

Lana Veenker, ICDA President:
“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.”

Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director European Film Academy:
“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.”

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.
ENDS ///

For further information please email the ICDA Press Office at press@the-icda.com

About the International Casting Directors Association:
The International Casting Directors Association (ICDA) was founded in 1994 under the auspices of European Film Promotion as an informal network of some of Europe's most influential casting directors. Over time, it evolved into an independent association and now represents nearly 130 members across 35 countries. ICDA members are recognized for working at the highest levels of the film and television industry. As heads of department, casting directors play a vital role not only in the art of storytelling but also in helping projects get the green light. ICDA highlights their invaluable contributions with its annual Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting, awarded at rotating European Film Festivals, such as Tallinn, Locarno, Sarajevo, and Sitges. The association unites casting directors from around the world to network and share information, elevate the casting profession, and provide a resource for producers and directors seeking to hire casting directors experienced in international productions.
Instagram: @the_icda LinkedIn: @international-casting-directors-association

About the European Film Academy:
The European Film Academy seeks to support and connect its 5,000 members and celebrates and promotes their work. Its aims are to share knowledge and to educate audiences of all ages about European cinema. Positioning itself as a leading organisation and facilitating crucial debates within the industry, the Academy strives to unite everyone who loves European cinema, culminating annually in the Month of European Film and the European Film Awards, strengthening European film heritage, and by connecting to young audiences through the European Film Club. www.europeanfilmacademy.org

About Spotlight & Filmmakers:
Spotlight & Filmmakers, Europe’s leading casting and selection systems, are delighted to present an exclusive screening of The Substance in association with the International Casting Directors Association and European Film Academy. Based in London since 1927, Spotlight is the Home of Casting. Based in Germany, Filmmakers.eu is Europe’s go-to platform for industry professionals across all 27 EU member states. Spotlight & Filmmakers provide an innovative software landscape for performers, agents and casting directors.