Kieran Culkin has emerged as one of the standout winners at the 2025 Academy Awards, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his captivating role in "A Real Pain." This victory marks the culmination of a remarkable awards season during which Culkin dominated his category, showcasing his talents to audiences and industry professionals alike.
Accepting the award at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, Culkin expressed his gratitude to those who played pivotal roles in his success. Presenting the award was last year’s winner, Robert Downey Jr., who handed over the golden statue to Culkin, who was visibly emotional yet poised. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his cast and crew, particularly singling out Jesse Eisenberg with the delightful compliment, "Thank you for this movie, you’re a genius," underscoring his appreciation for collaborative creativity.
At 42 years old, Culkin's ascent to Oscar glory is particularly noteworthy considering his previous accolades. He has won multiple awards including a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Roman Roy on HBO’s acclaimed series "Succession." His latest film, "A Real Pain," tells the poignant story of two cousins on a Jewish heritage tour of Poland, which garnered acclaim for both its narrative and performances.
What made Culkin’s win even more memorable was his light-hearted reminder to his wife, Jazz Charton, of her promise; he humorously stated during the ceremony, "My wife Jazz promised me to have another child if I won the Oscar." This blend of personal humor and public acknowledgment added depth to his speech, displaying his ability to connect both personally and publicly with fans and colleagues alike.
The 97th Academy Awards not only celebrated individual triumphs but also underscored the resilience of the film industry following challenging times. With sections of Los Angeles still recovering from devastating wildfires, the ceremony was both a celebration of the art of film and recognition of the bonds formed through storytelling.
The awards presented later hinted at the fierce competition of this year’s ceremony. Alongside Culkin, other nominees for the Best Supporting Actor category included Australia’s Guy Pearce for his performance in "The Brutalist." Despite the strong competition, Culkin was favored thanks to his sweeping victories at earlier award events such as the BAFTAS, Critics' Choice, and the Golden Globe Awards.
The ceremony itself was vibrant, filled with colorful outfits and star-studded appearances, as celebrities dazzled on the red carpet. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set the tone for the evening with their evocative performances, paying tribute to Los Angeles, around which the event was centered.
This year’s Oscars witnessed not only high-profile awardees but also political undertones, especially with the ceremony occurring soon after contentious events involving political leaders, impacting the overall atmosphere of Hollywood's big night. The interplay of film and current events was noticeable, reminding the audience of the interconnectedness between art and life.
While his Pacific Palisades home was spared from the devastation caused by recent wildfires, Oscar host Conan O’Brien acknowledged the impact those events have had on the community. He deftly balanced humor and acknowledgment of serious matters during his opening remarks, setting the right tone for the celebration.
Overall, the night cemented Kieran Culkin’s position not just as the latest Oscar victor, but as a beloved figure within the Hollywood community. His thrilling win for Best Supporting Actor and his enthusiastic acceptance speech have made him one of the memorable stars of this year’s Academy Awards. The event, celebrating resilience, creativity, and community, has left audiences around the world with warm memories, providing hope and excitement for what the future holds for film.