Photo Coverage: The 26th Annual Artios Awards - NYC

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 Theatre, Television and Film casting, the Casting Society of America recognizes industry notables with a Career Achievement Award, The New York Apple Award and bestows the Hoyt Bowers Award on one of its own. This year's honorees are: in NY, Tony Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner was awarded the much coveted New York Apple Award; in LA, producer Marcy Carsey received the Career Achievement Award, and casting director Ellen Chenoweth received the Hoyt Bowers Award.

The award presenters in Los Angeles were Ty Burrell, Viola Davis, Victoria Justice, Diane Lane, John Lithgow, Joe Manganiello and Vanessa Williams.

In New York, the presenters were David Duchovny, Carla Gugino, John Benjamin Hickey, Anthony Mackie, Aasif Mandvi, Elizabeth Marvel, Zachary Quinto, Christina Ricci, John Slattery, and Lily Taylor. Jeffrey Wright presented the 2010 New York Apple Award to honoree Tony Award-winning playwright, Tony Kushner.

The Artios Awards were first given in 1985 to honor excellence in casting and the ceremony was held at the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel, attended by 500 industry leaders. The first New York awards were given in 1988. The CSA is the premiere organization of theatrical casting directors in film, television, and theatre, and is passionately committed to establishing a recognized standard of professionalism in the industry; enhancing the stature of the profession in the industry; freely exchanging information and ideas among members; providing the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of its members; and providing members with profession support and resources. CSA members are a united professional society that society that consistently set the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely. With more than 425 members, the CSA has representation not only in the United States, but also Canada, England and Australia. For more information, or to become a member, visit www.castingsociety.com.