The UK’s top Casting Directors were honoured tonight, Tuesday 16 February 2021, at the third annual CDG Casting Awards presented by the Casting Directors’ Guild (CDG) in partnership with Spotlight. The Awards took place during an online ceremony, presented by actress Camille Cottin, to recognise and celebrate the artistry of casting across Film, TV, Theatre and Commercials.
Victor Jenkins, Chair of the Casting Director’s Guild commented: “It’s so exciting to be able to announce the winners for our 3rd CDG Casting Awards. Like all walks of life, the entertainment industry is forging on under the most extraordinary circumstances. The nominations here reflect the wonderful work done pre and during the pandemic, and the theatre categories in particular are a salient reminder of the power and wonder of stage. Congratulations to the winners, and all our nominees.”
Actress Camille Cottin presented these awards during an online ceremony. She said: “I have been so touched by the enthusiasm of the British casting community for Call My Agent and the way they have really made me feel welcome in the British industry. It was a pleasure to be able to host the awards and toast the special work they do.”
Richard Wilson, CEO of Spotlight added: “We have always believed that the work of casting directors should be celebrated by our industry, which is why Spotlight is so proud to continue partnering with the CDG for their annual Awards. Huge congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and members of the CDG, who have continued to deliver such incredible work through one of the toughest years in memory for our industry.”
Founded in 1927, Spotlight is a global casting platform of over 65,000 professional performers, and is used by casting professionals daily to cast hundreds of roles across stage, film and television. Spotlight aims to improve industry standards and practice, help nurture talent from all routes into the industry and raise awareness of issues within the industry such as inclusivity and equality.
The CDG would also like to personally thank the following Spotlight staff who have given so much to help these awards be a success
Jamie Ramsay and Pippa Harrison for event and project management
Nicholas Peel for video production
EON Productions Limited is the UK based production company that has produced the James Bond films since 1962 including Spectre and Skyfall with the latest instalment, No Time to Die awaiting release. Led by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, EON has produced and executive produced independent film projects including Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, Radiator, Nancy and The Rhythm Section. They have also co-produced and co-financed successful theatrical productions, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Once, Othello, The Kid Stays in the Picture and The Band’s Visit.
Hamilton Hodell is a boutique agency dedicated to the career management of extraordinary actors across theatre, film and television. It was founded by the legendary Lorraine Hamilton as a self-contained agency within the Noel Gay Organisation and became independent in 1997. Christian Hodell was made a partner in 2002 and is now the Managing Director.
Independent Talent Group is the pre-eminent talent and literary agency founded almost 40 years ago. Headquartered in London, ITG represents many of the most celebrated and emerging talent working in media today. Its client base includes actors, directors, writers, producers and casting directors; voice-over; comedians; digital talent and YouTubers; and below-the-line personnel, including directors of photography, editors, and production designers.
United Agents LLP is London’s leading talent agency encompassing the worlds of film, TV, books, theatre and comedy. Founded in 2007, it has become the largest agency of its kind in the UK representing established and emerging artists. United Agents is unparalleled in the industry and has been the driving force behind the careers of many award-winning names. Wholly owned by its founding partners, United Agents offers clients dedicated specialist representation, bringing together leading agents from each field.
Tonight’s event would not have been possible without a huge amount of hard work and time given by a number of people:
The CDG Awards committee – David Grindrod, Sophie Hallett, Victor Jenkins, Sam Jones, Debbie McWilliams and Andy Pryor
Press Relations – Francesca Maguire
Event & Project Management – Spotlight’s Jamie Ramsay and Pippa Harrison
Video Production – Spotlight’s Nicholas Peel
Social Media – The CDG website team Ric and Tom and Spotlight’s Kelly Davis
A special thank you to our amazing host Camille Cottin who this year has taken the role to another level