Cassandra Kulukundis made Oscar history, becoming the first casting director to win an Oscar after the category debuted at the 98th ceremony on March 15.
Kulukundis won first prize for his work on the Paul Thomas Anderson film One battle after anotherbeating four other first-time nominees, Francine Maisler for SinnersNina Gold for HamnetJennifer Venditti for Marty Supreme and Gabriel Domingues for The secret agent.
This is the first new Oscar category introduced since the addition of Best Animated Feature Film in 2002.
The Academy gave this moment the importance it deserved.
Five actors, each representing one of the nominated films, came on stage together to present the prize: Paul Mescal for HamnetGwyneth Paltrow for Marty SupremeChase Infiniti for One battle after anotherWagner Moura for The secret agent and Delroy Lindo for Sinners.
Everyone paid tribute to their film’s nominee before Paltrow opened the envelope and read Kulukundis’ name.
The reaction was immediate and sincere.
Kulukundis looked genuinely stunned, rushing onto the stage after stopping to celebrate with Anderson and exchange a high five.
Infiniti, whom she had chosen after years of searching, was visibly moved, and the two embraced when Kulukundis reached the microphone.
His speech was both a tribute and a rallying cry.
She began by dedicating the award to the casting directors who fought for years to make this category a reality, and to those who never got the recognition they deserved.
“I dedicate this to you and the casting directors who never got a chance to be nominated, who didn’t even get a chance to have their name on the film. So this is for you guys,” she said.
She then turned to Anderson, with whom she collaborated on ten films spanning decades, including Magnolia, There will be blood, The Master, Ghost wire And Licorice pizza.
“When Paul Thomas Anderson calls you, you go into the PTA witness protection program and you literally don’t talk to your friends or family unless they have someone who’s a good fit for the movie,” she said warmly.
She ended with a moment of friendly one-upmanship: “I have one in front of you, which is also crazy. So, yes, I hope you get one tonight.”
She didn’t have to wait long to find out.
Shortly after his win, Anderson won Best Adapted Screenplay for One battle after another, his very first Oscar, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
The casting category had been a long time coming.
The Academy created a dedicated branch for casting directors in 2013, and recognition has continued to grow since. Sunday evening, this recognition finally arrived.
