Alex R. Hibbert from a scene in "Moonlight"

The unique challenges of casting ‘Moonlight’

Why did one casting director say the team behind “Moonlight” deserves a Purple Heart for their work? We talk to the film’s casting director Yesi Ramirez to find out.

Arts

Alex R. Hibbert as Little in "Moonlight"

David Bornfriend 

Moonlight” was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, but if there were an Academy Award for casting, it probably would’ve won that category, too.

The production team had to cast six actors to play two different characters as they age from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. They also decided to choose several non-professional actors for authenticity, and did it all on a small, indie budget.

The movie’s casting director, Yesi Ramirez, talks about her unique challenges with “Moonlight.”

(Originally aired February 16, 2017)