Mukesh Chhabra marked a milestone for the film industry after Cassandra Kulukundis won her first Academy Award for Best Casting at the 98th Academy Awards. Kulukundis took home the award for ‘One Battle After Another’, and Chhabra used the moment to highlight a profession that deserves more respect in India. In an emotional note, he called the win “a truly historic moment” and said the Academy’s decision to honor the casting director meant a lot to everyone in the industry.
Oscar for best casting winning puts casting directors in the spotlight
According to Chhabra’s post on X, the moment was as personal as it was historic. “Honestly, I’m so happy. I can’t even explain how happy I feel. I’ve been expressing this moment for years. It means so much to me to see the Academy Awards finally recognize the importance of casting directors. Cassandra Kulukundis won the Academy Award for Best Casting at the 98th Academy Awards for directing “One Battle After Another.” Paul Thomas Andersonthis is truly a historic moment for everyone in casting,” he wrote.Chhabra then turned the conversation towards India and asked the industry to give casting directors the credit they deserve. “I really hope this will open people’s eyes to the value of casting and give this profession the respect it deserves in our country. I hope people in India also start to understand and respect the work of casting directors who are respected in Hollywood. It’s time we all come together and celebrate this moment,” he added.
Cassandra Kulukundis acceptance speech at the 2026 Oscars
Kulukundis beat Francine Maisler for “Sinners,” Nina Gold for “Hamnet,” Jennifer Venditti for “Marty Supreme,” and Gabriel Domingues for “The Secret Agent.” The category was presented by Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chase Infiniti, Wagner Moura and Delroy Lindo, all of whom appeared in the nominated films.After Gwyneth Paltrow announced her name, Kulukundis was stunned and celebrated before going on stage with director Paul Thomas Anderson. In his speech, he thanked the Academy and those who promoted the category. “Obviously, I have to thank the Academy for adding this category and the casting directors who have fought through it all,” he said. He ended with a tribute to those who never had that opportunity. “To you and the casting directors who didn’t get a chance to get nominated, who didn’t even get a chance to get a name in the movie. So this is for you.”
