Casting Director Anousha Zarkesh Discusses Her AACTA Win for ‘Shayda,’ Casting Directors Finally Receiving an Oscar Category

We’ve had ample occasion to speak to Anousha Zarkesh over the past few years as she continues to pick up awards for her casting excellence. In 2021, Zarkesh won the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best Casting (High Ground), and in 2022, she took home four gongs at the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) Awards.

This year, Zarkesh bagged the 2023 AACTA Award for Best Casting in Film for Shayda. Here, she shares what drew her to the award-winning film, some thoughts on her career longevity and more.

Congratulations on your AACTA win for Shayda. Can you recall what initially drew you to this project?

I was drawn to the project by Noora Niasari’s beautiful script about a single mother/daughter relationship and its important themes around domestic violence and gender power politics, as well as my relationship with the producer Vincent Sheehan. It was Noora’s first feature film, and she was very passionate about telling her very personal story. I loved the fact we were both Iranian women and had similar childhoods being raised by single mothers.

You’ve been in the casting game for almost three decades now. Did Shayda present any unique challenges?

Yes, it was challenging on many levels. We were casting Shayda during COVID-19. Noora lives in Melbourne, and I’m in Sydney, [so] lots of Zoom and phone meetings! We also had a fairly low budget, so traveling around or testing lots of people was difficult. Additionally, the film features Iranian characters who had to speak Farsi fluently and with authentic Iranian accents, [which required] lots of research into the Iranian performance world and uncovering many “non-actors” or actors with little experience.

Although I’m Iranian, I don’t speak Farsi, so Noora interpreted where she could. We had to translate lots of flyers and emails into Persian—especially [while] seeking Farsi-speaking little girls to play Shayda. We did a national search for many months.

Photo courtesy of Anousha Zarkesh

The consistency throughout your career is remarkable. What might friends or colleagues say is the secret to your success?

I have no idea. I know I’m curious, tenacious, energetic and passionate about actors’ performances and the stories we are telling. I try to facilitate the director’s vision at all costs and work hard to find the “right” performers for each project. I still get a buzz putting a cast together and working collaboratively with the director and producer.

I use my gut instinct most of the time. I still care and love what I do. On each project, I question each casting decision and have some sleepless nights: Does it feel right tonally? Do the actors work together well? Do I believe it? What are we trying to say? Do these actors work well together as an ensemble?

There are obviously a lot of moving parts in the casting process, but can you point to any traits or qualities that make you root for certain actors?

Australia has produced some extraordinary actors over the years [who are now] working globally and consistently doing great work. They are hardworking, intelligent, funny and self-deprecating—a pleasure to have on any production.

I have, in the past, and do, root for lots of actors. When I see how hard they work or how “right” they are for a role, I will certainly push hard for that actor to get the role. Some actors have gravitas, some actors have heart and vulnerability, some actors have enormous sex appeal, some are powerful, some are just consistently funny and can interpret any script wittily and some actors can do it ALL!

Acting is so subjective. I suppose I like what I like and, again, instinctively, I [will] feel one actor’s performance over another’s stands out and is right for the role or specific TV show or film I’m casting.

Photo via Sony Pictures Classics.

Our industry has evolved significantly since you gave Isla Fisher, Melissa George and Ryan Kwanten their breaks as teenagers on Home and Away. Where do you advise aspiring actors to start in today’s world?

There’s a lot more content and opportunities for actors to shine now. It’s overwhelming at times—everyone can pick up a camera or iPhone and shoot footage, make short films or web series or create new comedy characters that may go viral. Some do it the old-fashioned way by getting a role on Home and Away or Neighbours.

Either way, there are lots of ways to practice your craft and be seen. I think you can self-create, self-promote and work all the time if you want it badly. The industry will eventually find you if you are good.

The Academy Awards recently announced there will be an award for Best Casting Director starting in 2026 [for 2025 films]. What did that news mean to you?

It’s great news for all the US casting directors who have been seeking recognition for years. They have been lobbying the Academy for a long time, so it’s great that they are finally being recognized for their contribution to film and TV.

As VP of the CGA, Thea McLeod and I have been having lots of discussions with casting directors in Europe and the US, hoping to support them in gaining acknowledgement. [I’m] so happy it’s happened.

Photo via Sony Pictures Classics.

Finally, what have you watched and loved lately? Any must-see recommendations for us?

I’ve been watching a lot of Aussie shows: Total Control, The Clearing, Boy Swallows Universe, Prosper, House of Gods and looking back at old episodes of Rake. They are still fantastic.

I love a good documentary and am a bit of an ABC news junkie. Or I will binge episodes of Arrested Development or Curb Your Enthusiasm to send me off to sleep!

Special thanks to Zarkesh for her time, and congratulations to all of the 2024 AACTA winners and nominees!

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