Francine Maisler, a veteran casting director, is positioned as the leading contender for the Academy's inaugural award for achievement in casting, thanks to her work on Ryan Coogler's Sinners. The film has received the most Oscar nominations of any movie ever. Maisler has collaborated with numerous acclaimed filmmakers over her extensive career.
Francine Maisler has cast more than 200 films and series since starting her career in 1990, working with directors including Denis Villeneuve, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Greta Gerwig, Barry Jenkins, Michael Mann, Adam McKay, James L. Brooks, Steve McQueen and Ryan Coogler. Her contributions to Sinners, described as featuring a sprawling ensemble with discoveries like Miles Caton and long-overdue recognition for actors such as Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, have earned both actors their first Oscar nominations.
Maisler shared a story about securing Mosaku for Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning after her role in Sinners. 'I worship the woman, and I said, “Aaron, I have the idea — she’s in Sinners, have you seen Sinners?”' Maisler recalled. Sorkin, who screened the film at her urging, later said, 'I was thrilled to get her because Francine made sure that I did.'
Barry Jenkins noted that Maisler 'works her magic' in discovering talent and elevating character actors. She is a two-time Emmy winner for Succession and The Studio, and received the Hollywood Reporter's Casting Director of the Year award in 2021. Upcoming projects include Coogler's X-Files reboot and Mann's Heat sequel starring Leonardo DiCaprio, with Mann praising their shared 'intuitive language.'
Maisler reflected on the intensity of Oscar campaigns, comparing it to experiences of actors like Demi Moore and Angela Bassett. 'Now I understand what actors go through... You prepare. You wear a dress. You go to this, go to that. And then you sit there — and lose!' She emphasized the creative depth of casting, countering views of it as merely administrative. Sorkin affirmed, 'The director is counting on their talent and on their knowledge — they’re specialists.'
Other competitors for the casting Oscar include Nina Gold for Hamnet, Jennifer Venditti for Marty Supreme, Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another and Gabriel Domingues for The Secret Agent.
