Nina Metz Q&A: ‘Oppenheimer’ casting director talks about the new Oscar category for best casting
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is adding a new Oscar category for casting directors, starting in 2026.
The Oscars are a pinnacle of achievement for actors. But casting those actors is an art and talent all its own. The Emmys have recognized casting directors since 1994. It’s good to see the Oscars finally catch up.
If the category existed this year, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” would be a likely contender. The cast is filled with boldface names — many of them previous Oscar winners and nominees — giving sharp and memorable performances. The movie’s casting director is John Papsidera, who has a long and expansive resume that includes TV and film. He’s been doing this for 30 years, casting Taylor Sheridan’s shows (including “Yellowstone”) as well as “Lessons in Chemistry,” “The Night Agent,” “Wednesday,” “George & Tammy,” “Westworld,” “The Flight Attendant,” “The Expanse” and “Austin Powers,” just to name a few.
He has also worked on all of Nolan’s films except one (“Insomnia”).
“One thing I really love about Chris and (wife and producer) Emma Thomas is their loyalty to people. The loyalty they’ve shown me is humbling, It’s a hard thing to find
