Casting By was named one of the top 5 documentaries in December 2013 by the National Board of Review of America in November 2013.
As the society celebrated the academy's decision to create a casting directors branch for awards, Casting By received an Artios Award and a standing ovation for its pivotal role in spurring the academy's decision on the night of the 29th Annual Artios Awards.
"Then, CSA president Richard Hicks took the stage and recapped "a great year" for casting directors, including the achievement of "branch status" at the academy, which he said was "a sign that perceptions are beginning to change – we thank you, Academy." He then acknowledged Casting By, calling it "a beautiful gift" to the memory of its principal subject, the late Marion Dougherty, and all members of the profession. "If we're lucky," he continued, "it might just get nominated for an Oscar."
The film won the Audience award for Best Documentary at the 2013 Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival. In February 2014, the National Alliance for Women in Media recognized Casting By as an outstanding program for its role in supporting women's achievements in all facets of media and entertainment as the documentary earned a Gracie Award. In July 2014, Casting By was nominated for Outstanding Arts and Culture Programming for the 35th Documentary Emmy Awards.