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Mukesh Chhabra Celebrates Historic First Casting Oscar Win for Cassandra Kulukundis

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra expressed immense joy over Cassandra Kulukundis winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Casting. He called it a historic moment that he had been manifesting for years, hoping it brings more respect to the profession globally and in India. Kulukundis, who won for Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another', dedicated the award to all casting directors who fought for recognition. She also thanked Anderson, with whom she has collaborated on numerous films over many years.

Key Points: First Oscar for Casting Director Celebrated by Mukesh Chhabra

  • First-ever Academy Award for casting
  • Mukesh Chhabra's proud reaction
  • Hope for greater respect in India
  • Kulukundis dedicates win to peers
  • Long collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson
2 min read

Mukesh Chhabra hails Cassandra Kulukundis's first casting Oscar award, calls "a historic moment for all of us"

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra hails Cassandra Kulukundis's historic Oscar win for casting, calling it a milestone for the profession.

Mukesh Chhabra hails Cassandra Kulukundis's first casting Oscar award, calls "a historic moment for all of us"
"I've been manifesting this moment for years. - Mukesh Chhabra"

Mumbai, March 16

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has expressed immense pride and delight over Cassandra Kulukundis's big win at the 2026 Oscars.

The veteran casting director, Kulukundis, received the first Academy Award ever presented for casting for her collaboration on Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another'.

Taking to his X handle, Mukesh Chhabra penned a long note, sharing how he manifested the moment for years.

"I'm honestly so, so happy. I can't even explain how happy I feel. I've been manifesting this moment for years. Seeing the Academy Awards finally recognise the importance of casting directors means so much to me. Cassandra Kulukundis winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Casting at the 98th Academy Awards One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is truly a historic moment for all of us in casting," he wrote.

Chhabra emphasised how the profession of casting deserves more value.

"I really hope this opens people's eyes to the value of casting and gives this profession the respect it deserves in our country as well. I hope that in India, too, people begin to understand and respect the work of casting directors the way it is respected in Hollywood. Its high time we all come together and celebrate this moment," he added.

At the Academy Awards, Kulukundis, who appeared to be shocked by the news, dedicated her win to all the casting directors who fought for the recognition.

"I have to obviously thank the Academy for even adding this category and for the casting directors who fought tirelessly to make it happen despite everything in their way. I dedicate this to you and to the casting directors who never got a chance to get nominated, who didn't even get a chance to get their name on the movie. So this is for you guys," she said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Kulukundis also gave a shoutout to filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and added, "I just thank you for 10 movies. We've done this for years, we grew up together, I guess, and this is freaking insane. I have one before you, which is also crazy. So, yeah, I hope you get one tonight."

Prior to 'One Battle After Another', Cassandra Kulukundis had worked with the veteran filmmaker on many films like 'Magnolia', 'There Will Be Blood', 'The Master', 'Punch-Drunk Love', 'Phantom Thread', 'Licorice Pizza', and 'Inherent Vice'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! I work in the ad film industry in Mumbai, and even here, the casting director's role is often underestimated. Clients think anyone can pick actors. This Oscar category will hopefully change perceptions globally and trickle down to our film industries as well.
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Arjun K
While I'm happy for the recognition, I hope our Indian award shows like Filmfare and National Awards are watching. We have legendary casting directors like Dolly Dolly, Vicky Sidana, and of course Mukesh Chhabra himself who deserve similar accolades. Let's not just applaud Hollywood.
S
Sarah B
As someone who studied film, this is monumental. Casting is not just about finding pretty faces; it's about understanding character, chemistry, and narrative. Kulukundis's body of work with PTA speaks for itself. A well-deserved win.
K
Karthik V
Good step by the Academy. But respectfully, I have to ask: in India, will this change anything? Our star system is so entrenched. Often, the lead is decided by box office pull, not by who is right for the role. True respect for casting will come when we value talent over pure marketability.
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Priya S
Her dedication speech was so heartfelt! "To the casting directors who never got a chance..." That hit home. So many talented people behind the scenes never get their name on the poster. This award is for all of them. More power!

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