Kieran Culkin solidified his prominence during the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards as he captured the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in A Real Pain. The ceremony, held on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, set the stage for the talented actor to shine as he humorously addressed the audience during his acceptance speech.
Stepping onto the stage, the 42-year-old actor couldn't help but comment on the hefty trophy he was awarded. "Thank you SAG-AFTRA for this incredibly heavy award," he began, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He continued, playfully calling out fellow nominee Adrien Brody, saying, "I don't think there's any way anyone can hold this for 45 seconds — which is the allotted time, Adrien Brody." His light-hearted jab went without malice as he added, "There was no reason to take this shot; I love you, it's a joke." The audience could see Brody laughing, as the humorous exchange between the two actors lightened the atmosphere.
Culkin's speech was kick-started with his stand-up routine, but the actor quickly delved deep, expressing how meaningful the award was to him. "Believe it or not, this actually means a lot to me. It does. It's hard to be sincere after all. But yeah, thanks — it actually is a huge honor," he stated, showcasing his blend of comedy and sincerity.
The actor did not shy away from crediting his co-star and director Jesse Eisenberg, whom he charmingly noted cast him without even seeing any prior work. "He cast me because his sister told him to," Culkin explained, warmly recounting the moment. He then directed his thanks to Hallie Eisenberg, stating, "Thank you, Hallie, for thinking of me and putting my name in your stupid brother's ear." This heartfelt humorous acknowledgment of his cast and crew brought the audience to smiles and nostalgia, reminiscent of the varied routes actors often face to land their roles.
Always eager to share his gratitude, Culkin took the moment to thank his wife, Jazz Charton, whom he called his "gorgeous, funny wife." Reflecting on family, he mentioned his two children, Kinsey and Wilder, noting, "Thank you for giving me my favorite people in the world." It's no surprise he's been publicly expressing affection for his wife throughout the awards season, and this moment served similarly to his previous speeches at events such as the Golden Globe Awards.
With every award season, Kieran Culkin has made waves, especially with the strength of his performance this year. His portrayal of Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain, alongside the talented Eisenberg, has earned him significant accolades, establishing him as one of the frontrunners for the Oscars expected to occur on March 10, 2025. His recognition at SAG, alongside victories at the BAFTAS and Golden Globes, marks him as the clear favorite heading toward Academy Awards.
The heavy SAG trophy is not just indicative of his professional achievements—it's symbolic of his growth and acceptance within the acting community. Culkin’s commitment and unique comedic flair during his acceptance turned the night unforgettable, highlighting both his serious dedication to acting and infectious charm.
The SAG Awards, known for being the only televised awards ceremony dedicated exclusively to honoring actors, served not only to spotlight Culkin but also to reinforce stories of various artists across the industry, allowing viewers to witness the camaraderie and humor inherent to the awards season. It reminds audiences how significant these gatherings are for celebrating one another's successes, often resulting in unexpected and memorable moments.
The atmosphere was enriched by several other nominees also making their mark, including Jonathan Bailey from Wicked, Yura Borisov for Anora, and Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown. While the evening dimmed on some competitors, it was undoubtedly Kieran Culkin's humor, heart, and casual extraordinary talent on display which turned heads and made waves.
The 2025 Academy Awards is just around the corner, and with the spotlight on actors like Culkin, there remains palpable excitement surrounding who might leave with golden statues of their own after such memorable portrayals this award season. One thing is for sure: Kieran Culkin has set the stage for anticipation, proving to be not just a skilled performer but also someone who engages audiences with humor, relatability, and genuine gratitude.