Top 10 Casting Directors in the U.S. and U.K. Every Actor Should Know

Nina Gold, Robert Sterne & Francine Maisler. License: Fair Use

Casting directors are the hidden architects behind the success of many great performances. They discover talent, shape ensembles, and give actors their big break. Whether you’re an aspiring performer or a seasoned actor looking to grow your network, here are the top 10 casting directors in the U.S. and the U.K. you should definitely know.

🇺🇸 Top 10 Casting Directors in the United States (2025)

1. Avy Kaufman

Known for: The Sixth Sense, Brokeback Mountain, Succession
Why actors should know her: Kaufman has a knack for launching careers and works on a mix of indie gems and studio films.

2. Ellen Lewis

Known for: Longtime collaborator with Martin Scorsese (The Departed, The Irishman), The Devil Wears Prada
Why actors should know her: She casts for some of the most elite filmmakers in the business and is known for giving actors lasting careers.

3. Sarah Finn

Known for: The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Why actors should know her: If you’re dreaming of being a superhero, Finn is the gatekeeper. She’s responsible for casting nearly every Marvel film and series.

4. Carmen Cuba

Known for: Stranger Things, The Martian, The Apprentice
Why actors should know her: Cuba is fearless in discovering new talent and is trusted with some of the most culturally significant projects.

5. Bernard Telsey

Known for: Wicked, Hamilton, In The Heights
Why actors should know him: A major player in both Broadway and screen casting, Telsey gives actors crossover opportunities between theatre, film, and TV.

6. Francine Maisler

Known for: 12 Years a Slave, The Revenant, Birdman
Why actors should know her: Maisler’s cast lists are Oscar magnets. She specializes in prestige projects and A-list dramas.

7. Mindy Marin

Known for: Mission Impossible, Crazy Stupid Love, Drive
Why actors should know her: Marin often mixes well-known talent with undiscovered gems in offbeat and original films.

8. John Papsidera

Known for: Inception, The Dark Knight, Westworld, Oppenheimer
Why actors should know him: A frequent collaborator of Christopher Nolan and major sci-fi creators, Papsidera casts visually bold, intellectually rich productions and often brings unconventional actors to the forefront.

9. Allison Jones

Known for: The Office, Superbad, The 40 Year Old Virgin
Why actors should know her: If you’re a comedy actor, Jones is a titan. She has cast some of the most beloved comedic talents in modern TV.

10. Victoria Thomas

Known for: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Django Unchained, Lovecraft Country
Why actors should know her: Thomas brings inclusive, layered casts to major projects—especially those with strong cultural relevance.

🇬🇧 Top 10 Casting Directors in the United Kingdom (2025)

1. Nina Gold

Known for: Game of Thrones, The Crown, Star Wars (new trilogy)
Why actors should know her: Gold is royalty in the UK casting world, responsible for launching dozens of major careers.

2. Shaheen Baig

Known for: Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Scrapper
Why actors should know her: She’s respected for her commitment to authenticity and emerging talent, especially in gritty, real-world dramas.

3. Sophie Holland

Known for: The Witcher, Wednesday, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (UK)
Why actors should know her: Holland is a leader in genre TV and fantasy casting, offering opportunities in major Netflix hits and global franchises.

4. Kate Rhodes James

Known for: Gladiator II, House of the Dragon, Napoleon
Why actors should know her: James is a go-to for high-profile dramas and fantasy series, with an eye for electrifying screen presence.

5. Amy Hubbard

Known for: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogy, The Trial of Christine Keeler
Why actors should know her: Hubbard bridges the gap between large-scale epics and emotionally intimate TV projects.

6. Lucy Bevan

Known for: Barbie, Belfast, The Batman
Why actors should know her: Bevan’s work spans both Hollywood blockbusters and prestige UK films. She’s known for pairing established stars with rising actors in high-visibility roles.

7. Fiona Weir

Known for: Harry Potter series, The Theory of Everything, Fantastic Beasts
Why actors should know her: She’s synonymous with franchise power casting and character-driven storytelling.

8. Jina Jay

Known for: Black Mirror, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Dune: Part One
Why actors should know her: Jay’s projects are often bold and futuristic, with casting that feels ahead of its time.

9. Robert Sterne

Known for: The Crown, Game of Thrones, Black Doves
Why actors should know him: Sterne used to work for Nina Gold, and now takes many projects off her plate. He is known for elevating new British talent to global stages.

10. Lauren Evans

Known for: Sex Education, Paddington 2, Lost Boys & Fairies
Why actors should know her: Evans specializes in casting youth-oriented and inclusive stories. She’s a powerful advocate for fresh faces and authentic representation.

Whilst there are many more Casting Directors working in TV & Film throughout the UK and USA, these are your top 10 blockbuster powerhouses that everyone should be aware of.

Comment below if you would like to see another article on the fresh, up-and-coming Casting Directors who it is important to get on the radar of in 2025.