Cassandra Kulukundis wins inaugural Oscar for casting at the 98th Academy Awards

On March 16, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. During the event, Greek-American casting director Cassandra Kulukundis made history by winning the inaugural Oscar in the newly established Best Casting category. She received the award for her collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson on the film One Battle After Another. The film was the night's biggest winner, securing a total of six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The casting award was presented by a group of five actors: Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chase Infinity, Wagner Moura, and Delroy Lindo. Paltrow announced the winner, marking a significant milestone in the industry's recognition of casting professionals. The film outperformed competitors like Sinners to dominate the major categories of the night.