Lights, camera, action! The world of casting directors is finally getting the recognition it deserves, thanks to the Academy’s upcoming award for casting directors at the 2026 Oscars. And who better to shine a spotlight on this crucial role in filmmaking than the legendary Francine Maisler?
At the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, Maisler took the stage for a KVIFF Talk with her associate Molly Rose. Despite her initial reluctance to be in the limelight, Maisler held the room captive for nearly 90 minutes, sharing stories from her illustrious career and praising the actors she’s worked with over the past three decades.
One actor who particularly impressed Maisler is none other than Lady Gaga, who she recently saw in Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie À Deux. According to Maisler, Gaga’s performance will “blow your mind” and show a whole new side of her talents.
From casting Somali pirates in Minnesota to discovering rising stars like Austin Butler and Sarah Snook, Maisler’s anecdotes were as captivating as they were insightful. She even shared her thoughts on the challenges of casting in the age of internet leaks and secrecy surrounding movie scripts.
As the audience asked questions and Maisler reflected on the importance of casting directors, it became clear that this unsung hero of the film industry is finally getting the recognition it deserves. With the Academy’s decision to create an award for casting directors, Maisler believes that casting is finally being recognized as the essential element that it is in making a good film.
So next time you’re at the movies and marveling at the performances on screen, remember that behind every great actor is a casting director like Francine Maisler, working tirelessly to bring the vision to life.
