'Hairspray' / 'Chicago' Producers and Long Time Casting Director to Be Honored at Casting Society of America's 24th Annual Artios Awards(R)

'Hairspray' / 'Chicago' Producers and Long Time Casting Director to Be Honored at Casting Society of America's 24th Annual Artios Awards(R)

Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and Casting Director Mali Finn to be Special Honorees at Annual Award Ceremony on November 10, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Casting Society of America will fete their own on November 10, 2008, at the 24th Annual Artios Awards(R). The award ceremony will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. The reception will commence at 5:45 p.m. Presented yearly for outstanding achievement in casting, awards are given on the criteria of originality, creativity and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. The term "Artios" is from the ancient Greek word meaning "perfectly fitted."

Each year, in addition to the awards presented to casting directors for their achievements in Theater, Television and Film casting, the Casting Society of America also recognizes Industry notables with a Career Achievement Award and bestows the Hoyt Bowers Award on one of its own. This year, the Career Achievement Award will be presented to Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and the Hoyt Bowers Award will be presented to the late Mali Finn.

History of the Artios Awards

In October of 1985, the Casting Society of America presented the first awards for excellence in casting at an Artios Awards luncheon where seven CSA members were honored in four different casting categories.

Three years later, the first Artios for theatrical production was presented (to Johnson-Liff Casting) in an added New York ceremony. Today, members are honored in different casting theatrical categories in simultaneous events held in Los Angeles and New York.

About CSA

The Casting Society of America is the premier organization of casting directors in film, television, and theater, and is committed to establishing a standard of professionalism in the industry; enhancing the stature of the profession; freely exchanging information and ideas among members; providing opportunities to honor outstanding achievements of its members; and providing members with professional support. CSA members set the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely.

With more than 425 members, the Casting Society of America has representation not only in the United States, but also in Canada, England and Australia. For more information, or to become a member, visit http://www.castingsociety.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Casting Society of America

CONTACT: Dave Linden, +1-323-841-3400, dave@thelindengroup.com, for
Casting Society of America

Web site: http://www.castingsociety.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment