SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations Presents Casting For Short Film: An Evening With 2026 Artios Nominated Casting Directors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: Ally Beans, Tanya Giang, Sunday Boling Kennedy, Jamie Ember, Marin Hope, and Hamzah Saman attend Casting for Short Film: An Evening with 2026 Artios Nominated Casting Directors at The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists on February 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA Foundation) @GettyVIP@sagaftraFOUND@sagaftra@csacasting@ArabActors
As a casting director, I feel this deeply: when we stop truly meeting in person, we lose something human. We lose energy. We lose instinct. We lose real connection. Zoom may be convenient, but it can never fully replace what happens when two people share the same room, the same breath, the same truth. Connection matters. Presence matters. People matter.
Spotlight: Tarek - Egyptian-American actor + writer.
Strong on-camera ease, grounded presence, and a look that reads “real” fast.
Filmmakers: for casting inquiries, please use the email link in bio.
Actors: join our community (free) — link in bio.
#ArabAmericanCasting
All together celebrating 11 Academy Award® wins, tied for most by a single studio!
Thank you to the remarkable casts and creative teams behind @onebattlemovie, @SinnersMovie, and Weapons for delivering an unforgettable 2025. Your originality, creativity, and dedication have produced meaningful films that bring people together in theaters, creating shared moments that celebrate the very best of cinema and remind us all of the enduring impact of great filmmaking.
THE TOP 5 HEADSHOT RULES (CASTING-FRIENDLY)
Accurate. Clear. Castable.
https://t.co/kltEBZ4sVP looks like you — right now.
Current hair/facial hair, age range, and vibe. No surprises.
2.Your eyes are sharp and alive.
If the eyes aren’t clear, casting can’t connect.
3.Clean light + simple background.
Face first. No busy shadows, no distractions.
4.Wardrobe matches your casting type.
Solid colors, no logos, no loud patterns. Dress for the roles you actually book.
5.Retouching stays natural.
Keep real skin texture. Don’t reshape your face.
Congratulations to Michael B. Jordan on his Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Sinners!' 🥳🎉🏆
He joined us at the Foundation for an inside look at the craft, challenges & dedication that went into his extraordinary performance. ♊🔥🥰
Watch it here: https://t.co/DFdlM9WQsJ
Congratulations to Cassandra Kulukundis, the first casting director to win @TheAcademy Award!
She joined us with Chase Infiniti & @TEYANATAYLOR to discuss the process & craft behind the unforgettable performances in 'One Battle After Another.'
Watch: https://t.co/lZQh8o2g1A
Actors first.
You do the hardest part.
You bring the characters to life.
Without you, I don’t a have career a job that I love. Thank you for believing in Arab American Casting #artiosawards2026#hamzahsamancsa
At the 41st Artios Awards in Los Angeles.
I’m grateful to the Casting Society community, and to everyone who watched Exception and voted.
Big love to our cast and crew for bringing this story to life. Exception is a film about free speech, and the courage it takes to stand for truth with dignity.
Congratulations to the winners and all nominees. We’ll be back next year with more work and, God willing, more nominations.
Casting Society’s 41st Annual Artios Awards
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: Hamzah Saman arrives at Casting Society’s 41st Annual Artios Awards at The Beverly Hilton on February 26, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
#HamzahSamanCSA #ArtiosAwards2026
I’m featuring select members’ headshots on @ArabAmericanCasting (Instagram + homepage), where filmmakers often start their shortlist. If you want in, email your best 1–3 high-res headshots to [email protected] with your name + location (LA/NY/Local Hire).
THE TOP 5 HEADSHOT RULES (CASTING-FRIENDLY)
Accurate. Clear. Castable.
https://t.co/kltEBZ4sVP looks like you — right now.
Current hair/facial hair, age range, and vibe. No surprises.
2.Your eyes are sharp and alive.
If the eyes aren’t clear, casting can’t connect.
3.Clean light + simple background.
Face first. No busy shadows, no distractions.
4.Wardrobe matches your casting type.
Solid colors, no logos, no loud patterns. Dress for the roles you actually book.
5.Retouching stays natural.
Keep real skin texture. Don’t reshape your face.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations Presents Casting For Short Film: An Evening With 2026 Artios Nominated Casting Directors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: Ally Beans, Tanya Giang, Sunday Boling Kennedy, Jamie Ember, Marin Hope, and Hamzah Saman attend Casting for Short Film: An Evening with 2026 Artios Nominated Casting Directors at The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists on February 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA Foundation) @GettyVIP@sagaftraFOUND@sagaftra@csacasting@ArabActors
im featuring select members’ headshots on @ArabAmericanCasting (Instagram + homepage), where filmmakers often start their shortlist. If you want in, email your best 1–3 high-res headshots to [email protected] with your name + location (LA/NY/Local Hire).
Member Spotlight: Sarah
Actor + filmmaker with a strong, grounded on-camera presence and a director’s eye for story. Exactly the kind of multi-hyphenate talent filmmakers love—prepared, collaborative, and camera-ready.
Member Spotlight: Sarah
Actor + filmmaker with a strong, grounded on-camera presence and a director’s eye for story. Exactly the kind of multi-hyphenate talent filmmakers love—prepared, collaborative, and camera-ready.