The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) today announced the nominees for the annual CGA Awards, with the winners set to be announced at an official invitation-only awards ceremony to be held at Melbourne’s Arts Center on 21 November.
Anusha Zarkesh leads the way with six nominations, including Best Casting in a Television Drama, winning for both Mystery Road: Origins S2 and Territory, as well as Best Casting in a Feature Film for The Correspondent.
Also nominated for feature films are Alison Telford and Kate Leonard (Better Man), Nicky Barrett (Bring Her Back) and Natalie Wall (One More Shot).
CGA President Thea McLeod congratulated this year’s nominees and said winning the awards was “always such a great time”.
“CGA recognizes all of our members and the great work they do. Their talent and dedication continue to set the standard for the entire industry,” she said.
“And a huge congratulations to all of this year’s nominees. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate the creativity, talent, and heart that makes this community and our industry so special.”
The 2025 CGA Rising Stars will also be presented on the night, with winners expected to be announced in early November. For more information, please visit the CGA website.
The full list of candidates is:
Best casting in a feature film
• BETTER MAN – Alison Telford and Kate Leonard
• Get Her Back – Nicky Barrett
• One More Shot – Natalie Wall
• Correspondent – Anusha Zarkesh
Best casting for TV drama
• BLACK SNOW Season 2 – Natalie Wall and Nicky Barrett
• Mystery Road: Origins Season 2 – Anusha Zarkesh
• Territory – Anusha Zarkesh
• Newsreader Season 3 – Nathan Lloyd
Best Casting Award for TV Comedy
• Austin Season 2 – Amanda Mitchell
• FISK Season 3 – Kirsty McGregor and Will Pearce
• Strife Season 2 – Jane Norris
• THE OFFICE – Anusha Zarkesh Best Casting for a TV Movie/TV Miniseries
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Kirsty McGregor
• The Narrow Road to the Deep North – Nicky Barrett
• The Survivors – Jane Norris
• Don’t steal – Anusha Zarkesh
Best casting for a short film
• BEAR – Sarah Price
• Looking for Addison – Faith Martin
• SHE LAA’S – Allie Reynolds and Ellie Honigman
• They Kill in the Night – Tom McSweeney and David Newman
casting achievements
• Echo: All the Ruthless Oxygen – Rhys Velasquez
• Indigenous Mental Health – Anusha Zarkesh
• MONI – Marianne Jade
• Robin’s Story “The Crack in the Ice” – Daniel Bellini
Best casting for a theatrical production
• August: OSAGE COUNTRY – Emily David, Kelsey Martin, Chantel Yema
• Beetlejuice: The Musical – Lisa Campbell
• Champion – Kathryn Courtney Prior
• Inheritance – Daniel Cottier
TVC Best Casting – Actor
• AFL X “160 OF AFL LORE” – Peta Dermatis and Lauren Mass
• DIDI “YES I DIDI” – Natalie Harvey
• MLA LAMB “Comments Section” – Danny Long
• SBS ‘WE GO THERE’ – Danny Long
• Toyota Hilux “In a Pickle” – Joseph Wijanko and Nick Hammon
• Picklebet “Let’s Get Pickles” – Natalie Harvey
Best Casting for TVC – Community
• Alcohol “THINK AGAIN” – Daniel Bellini
• Bravehearts “Grooming hides behind harmlessness” – Michelle Clancy
• Ford Ranger “IT TAKES YOU AND A RANGER” – Peta Dermatis and Lauren Mass • Gatorade “NO SUGAR” – Peter Rasmussen
• MYCAR “Introducing the MYCAR Charger” – Natalie Harvey
• Qantas “Already proud” – Allie Reynolds and Ellie Honigman
