Sepideh Moafi, M.F.A. ’13 Wins Astra TV Award for Her Role in The Pitt

The Department of Drama alumna took home her first major acting award

Department of Drama alumna Sepideh Moafi, M.F.A. ’13, won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 2026 Astra TV Awards for her role as Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi in HBO Max's The Pitt. The acclaimed medical drama took home the most trophies of the night, winning six awards, including best drama series, streaming drama ensemble, actor in a drama series for Noah Wyle, supporting actor in a drama series for Patrick Ball, Moafi's win for supporting actress and guest actress in a drama series for Tal Anderson.

Accepting the first major acting honor of her career, Moafi said she would remember the moment for the rest of her life and was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Moafi spoke about the privilege of bringing Dr. Al-Hashimi to life, describing her as a multifaceted, complicated and beautiful character with a rich interior life. She highlighted how the role embodies the qualities of Middle Eastern and SWANA (South Asian, West Asian and North African) women she grew up with. Moafi dedicated the award to the women who came before her who lacked visibility and opportunity, and closed by standing alongside and dedicating the trophy to Iranian, Arab and Afghan women from the region.

Moafi's Astra win caps a breakout stretch for the actress, whose role in The Pitt earned her a history-making Emmy nomination this year. Her character came into sharper focus in the show's second season, when a storyline revealed the physician has lived with a chronic seizure disorder since childhood, adding new depth to a role that began as a supporting presence in the show's ensemble.

Outside of her work on screen, Moafi has used her growing platform for advocacy, serving as an ambassador for the International Rescue Committee. The Pitt enters the rest of this awards season as a frontrunner, following a five-Emmy sweep in its first season, including Outstanding Drama Series.

To see the full list of 2026 Astra TV Awards winners, visit variety.com.