The International Casting Directors Association (ICDA) today announced its nominees and programme for the 2025 Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting, to be presented at Thessaloniki International Film Festival in collaboration with the Festival and ICDA’s long-time supporters, Filmmakers Europe and Spotlight.
The award ceremony will take place on 1 November at 6pm at the Tonia Marketaki Theatre (Thessaloniki Port, Pier 1). The award honours outstanding achievement in casting and shines a spotlight on the vital role casting directors play in shaping performances and bringing stories to life.
2025 Nominees
The ICDA is a global association uniting casting directors worldwide to champion their pivotal role in filmmaking. With members behind some of the most acclaimed films and series of recent years, the ICDA works to promote and protect the creative contribution of casting directors and advocates for the recognition of casting as a cornerstone of storytelling.
ICDA’S full programme at Thessaloniki Film Festival
As part of its ongoing collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA) will also present a series of special events surrounding the 2025 Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting.
On 1 November at 11 AM, the ICDA will host a masterclass titled “Casting in the Age of Technology: Finding the Soul of a Story”, featuring leading casting directors Lucinda Syson (Gravity, The Dark Knight), Tanja Grunwald (Another Round, The Girl with the Needle), Yngvill Kolset Haga (The Worst Person in the World, Sentimental Value), and David Zitzlsperger (Filmmakers Europe). The discussion will explore how digital tools and AI are transforming the profession, while reaffirming that great casting remains a deeply human craft rooted in empathy, intuition, and creative collaboration.
Continuing its mission to foster international exchange and talent development, the ICDA is also partnering with Filmmakers Europe and Thessaloniki Film Festival to participate in a live One-Minute Monologue event for actors from the region on 2 November 2025. This dynamic speed-dating format will give emerging actors a unique opportunity to meet ICDA casting directors, and will be followed by a private reception hosted by Filmmakers. More information can be found here.
