Cassandra Kulukundis Wins First Oscar for Best Casting at 2026 Academy Awards

At the 98th Academy Awards, Cassandra Kulukundis won the inaugural Oscar for Best Casting for her work on Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another. This new category, introduced by the Academy for the first time since 2001, recognizes the creative role of casting directors in assembling film ensembles. Kulukundis dedicated her award to fellow casting professionals who lacked prior recognition. The film features a notable cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, and explores themes of politics and personal history.