Victor Garber Set to Host 2012 Artios Awards; Cheyenne Jackson, Jeremy Jordan and More to Present

The Casting Society of America (CSA) has announced the presenters for the organization's New Y0rk 28th Annual Artios Awards for outstanding achievement in casting given in 22 categories including film, television and theater. The bi-coastal award ceremonies will be held simultaneously on Monday, October 29, 2012 at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles (reception will commence at 6:00 p.m. PDT) and at XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge (512 West 42nd Street) in New York (reception will commence at 6:00 p.m. EDT).

For ticket information, please call (212) 868-1260, or (323) 463-1925, or visit info@castingsociety.com.

The ceremony in New York will be hosted by Victor Garber with participating award presenters Nina Arianda, Ed Asner, Becky Ann Baker, Dylan Baker, Samantha Bee, Jon Bernthal, Matt Czuchry, Jared Gillman, Cheyenne Jackson, Jeremy Jordan, Jesse Martin, Cristin Milioti, Archie Punjabi, Margot Robbie, Kyra Sedgwick, Alison Williams, Henry Winkler, Henry Zebrowski, among others.

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 also recognizes industry notables with a Career Achievement Award, given in recognition of the recipient's contribution to the industry as a whole and their inclusion of the casting director in the overall creative process; The New York Apple Award, given in recognition from the casting community to an individual who has made a special commitment to the New York entertainment industry through collaboration with casting directors; and bestows the Hoyt Bowers Award on one of its own, given for outstanding contribution to the casting profession. Hoyt Bowers was a brilliant casting director and a supportive mentor. He created an atmosphere in which creativity could flourish.

This year's honorees are: In NY, Tony Award®-winner Harvey Fierstein will receive the New York Apple Award; in LA, Ben Affleck will receive the Career Achievement Award, and Lora Kennedy, the Hoyt Bowers Award.

Cyndi Lauper and JorDon Roth will present the 2012 New York Apple Award to Tony Award®-winner, Harvey Fierstein (Ms. Lauper's Kinky Boots collaborator).

Hpnotiq Harmonie is a Sponsor/Contributor of the New Y0rk 28th Annual Artios Awards.

Presented annually, the awards are given on the criteria of originality, creativity and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. Named for the Greek word meaning "perfectly fitted," the Artios Awards were first given in 1985 to honor excellence in casting and was held at the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel attended by 500 industry leaders. The first New York awards were first given in 1988.

Among this year's nominees are Big Budget Feature – Drama, Big Budget Feature – Comedy, Feature – Studio or Independent – Drama, Feature – Studio or Independent – Comedy, Low Budget Feature – Comedy or Drama, Animation Feature, Daytime Drama Series, Television Pilot Drama, Television Pilot Comedy, Television Series Drama, Television Series Comedy, Television Movie or Mini Series, Children's Series, and Television Animation, New York Broadway Theatre – Drama, New York Broadway Theatre – Comedy, New York Broadway Theatre – Musical, New York Theatre – Comedy or Musical, New York Theatre – Drama, Regional Theatre East, Regional Theatre West, and Los Angeles Theatre.

CSA is the premiere organization of theatrical casting directors in film, television, and theatre. A united professional society, CSA consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely: by being 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 professional support and resources. With more than 500 members, the CSA has representation in the United States, Canada, Europe, England, Australia, and South Africa. For further information, please visit: www.castingsociety.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.