The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) has recognised the country’s top casting achievements across film, television, advertising and theatre, celebrating its 11th annual CGA Awards at Melbourne’s Arts Centre on Friday evening.
Hosted by Ed Kavalee and Dilruk Jayasinha, with special guest Tony Ayres, the event spotlighted the craft shaping Australian storytelling at home and abroad.
Strong year for casting excellence
CGA President Thea McLeod paid tribute to the depth of work on display across every category.
“Massive congratulations to all the winners of the Casting Guild of Australia Awards, and a huge acknowledgement to all the nominees this year. The CGA is so proud of the brilliant work our members do right across the entertainment industry; the talent, the passion, and the dedication are truly extraordinary.
“Heartfelt thanks to our incredible sponsors for making the CGA Awards possible: Platinum Sponsors: Casting Networks and Showcast, Gold Sponsors: Holding Redlich, Screenwise, Talentpay, Netflix, Easy Tiger and all of our fantastic Silver and Bronze Sponsors. Thank you for your support.”
The top film award, Best Casting in a Feature Film, went to Anousha Zarkesh for The Correspondent. Zarkesh also claimed Best Casting in a TV Drama for Mystery Road: Origin Season 2, marking one of the night’s major dual wins.
Television and streaming talent recognised
Kirsty McGregor and Will Pearce were awarded Best Casting in a TV Comedy for Fisk Season 3 – the first CGA win for Pearce. McGregor then stepped up again, winning Best Casting in a Telemovie/Miniseries for her work on Apple Cider Vinegar.
In short-form storytelling, NT casting director Sarah Price won Best Casting in a Short Film for Bear, earning her second CGA trophy after a TVC win in 2024.
Commercial and theatre categories expand the field
In advertising, Natalie Jane Harvie won Best Casting in a TVC – Actor for DiDi’s “Yes I DiDi.”
First-time winners Ally Reynolds and Ellie Honigman of Northside Casting took home Best Casting in a TVC – Community for Qantas’ “Already Proud.”
Theatre also had its moment, with Lisa Campbell winning Best Casting in a Theatre Production for Beetlejuice: The Musical, her second time receiving the honour after a previous win for Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Daniel Berini, head of Wayward Creative, earned his first CGA honour with the Achievement in Casting Award for Robyn’s Story – Crack in the Ice.
Rising Stars named for 2025
The CGA also unveiled its 2025 Rising Stars – ten actors identified as Australia’s next major breakout talents.
This year’s cohort includes Clare Hughes, Ioane Sa’ula, Joseph Zada, Lily Latorre, Roxie Mohebbi, Stacy Clausen, Tanzyn Crawford, Tharanya Tharan, Xavier Molyneux and Zoe Phillips.
The full list of 2025 CGA Award winners
Best Casting in A Feature Film
• The Correspondent – Anousha Zarkesh
Best Casting in a TV Drama
• Mystery Road: Origin Season 2 – Anousha Zarkesh
Best Casting in a TV Comedy
• Fisk Season 3 – Kirsty McGregor and Will Pearce
Best Casting in a Telemovie/Miniseries
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Kirsty McGregor
Best Casting in a Short Film
• Bear – Sarah Price
Best Casting in a TVC – Actor
• DiDi ‘Yes I DiDi’ – Natalie Jane Harvie
Best Casting in a TVC – Community
• Qantas ‘Already Proud’ – Ally Reynolds and Ellie Honigman
Best Casting in a Theatre Production
• Beetlejuice: The Musical – Lisa Campbell
Achievement in Casting
• Robyn’s Story ‘Crack in the Ice’ – Daniel Berini