Cassandra Kulukundis Makes History with First Oscar for Casting

Cassandra Kulukundis won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Casting for her work on Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. The win marks a significant milestone for the profession of casting, which was formally recognized by the Academy with its own branch in 2013, but only began receiving an Oscar until this year.

A Longtime Collaborator with Paul Thomas Anderson

Kulukundis’s career is deeply intertwined with that of director Paul Thomas Anderson. She began her journey with Anderson as an intern on his debut film, Hard Eight (1996), and has since cast nearly all of his subsequent films, including critically acclaimed works like There Will Be Blood and Inherent Vice. She has worked on all 10 of Anderson’s feature films. During her acceptance speech, Kulukundis playfully acknowledged their long-standing partnership, noting Anderson had been nominated 14 times prior to the ceremony.

The Importance of Casting

The role of a casting director is crucial in filmmaking, involving close collaboration with the director to select actors who embody the characters and bring a story to life. This includes identifying both established stars and emerging talent, and assessing the chemistry between performers. Kulukundis’s work on One Battle After Another showcased her ability to assemble a diverse cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and newcomer Chase Infiniti.

Kulukundis’s Candid Acceptance Speech

Kulukundis’s acceptance speech was praised for its honesty and candor. She acknowledged the years of advocacy by casting directors to gain recognition from the Academy and dedicated the award to those who had not received the opportunity to be honored. She also humorously pointed out the casting director’s pervasive influence across all departments of a film production, from locations to stunts.

A Field Finally Recognized

The introduction of the Best Casting Oscar reflects a growing appreciation for the artistry and importance of casting in the film industry. The British Film Academy introduced a casting award in 2020, paving the way for the Academy to follow suit. Kulukundis beat out Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Nina Gold (Hamnet), Francine Maisler (Sinners), and Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent) to win the inaugural prize.

One Battle After Another’s Cast

For One Battle After Another, Kulukundis assembled a cast that included established stars in unconventional roles, seasoned character actors, and a fresh face in Chase Infiniti. Infiniti, who delivered their first film performance in the movie, introduced Kulukundis and highlighted the casting director’s ability to blend familiar faces with new talent, creating a unique and compelling ensemble.