Kieran Culkin has capped off his remarkable year by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain," at the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025. The 42-year-old actor, who had been the frontrunner throughout Hollywood's awards season, triumphed over notable competitors including Yura Borisov for "Anora," Edward Norton for "A Complete Unknown," Guy Pearce for "The Brutalist," and his "Succession" co-star Jeremy Strong for "The Apprentice." Culkin's performance as Benji Kaplan, who embarks on a poignant heritage tour of Poland with his estranged cousin, was highly praised, showcasing both depth and emotion.
Since the beginning of 2024, Culkin's portrayal has garnered numerous accolades, including wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. "I have no idea how I got here. I've just been acting my whole life. It's just been a part of what I do," Culkin emotionally told the audience during his acceptance speech. His gratitude extended particularly toward director and co-star Jesse Eisenberg, whom he described as "a genius." He expressed his admiration humorously, stating, "I would never say this to your face, I'm never saying it again, so soak it up." Culkin's performance captures the chaotic yet heartfelt dynamics of family ties and Jewish history, making the film resonate strongly with audiences.
"A Real Pain" chronicles the story of two cousins embarking on what they hope to be reconciling memories of their past, particularly reflecting on the life of their grandmother, who was a Holocaust survivor. Culkin's Benji is depicted as free-spirited and somewhat lost since his grandmother's passing, desiring to reconnect with his more uptight cousin, David, played by Eisenberg. The film, laden with humor and poignant moments, has been hailed as deeply impactful, particularly for its themes surrounding identity and loss. At its heart, the narrative explores the intricacies of family relationships and how history shapes our lives.
During his acceptance speech, Culkin lightened the moment by recalling personal life events, including wittily reminding his wife, Jazz Charton, of her previous promise of having more children, contingent on his Oscar win. He joyfully remarked, "Turns out she said she said because she didn’t think I was gonna win," drawing laughter from the audience. His light-hearted reflection acknowledged their discussion from the Emmys, where he had expressed a desire for their third child, only to now raise the stakes to four children if he secured the Oscar. "She said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar,’" Culkin recounted with a smile, playfully adding, "Let’s get cracking on those kids!"
The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it began its successful run through various award ceremonies. Eisenberg, who not only directed the film but also penned its screenplay, drew from his own family history, giving the narrative authenticity and depth. He filmed important scenes at his late great-aunt's former home located in Poland, making the project hold personal significance for him.
Culkin’s portrayal of Benji has been recognized as one of his career highlights, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his character, oscillated between chaotic outbursts and tender-hearted moments. Eisenberg, expressing pride in Culkin's performance, emphasized, "He was just to a tee performing every aspect of it, what was charming about it, what was antagonistic about it, what was really sad about it, what was rageful about it... all the stuff I was hoping would come through with the character."
Aside from Culkin’s significant win at the Oscars, he has also been noted for his previous role as Roman Roy on HBO's "Succession," which culminated last year, where he also received multiple awards including Emmy and Golden Globe nods for his compelling and comedic character.
The 97th Academy Awards served not only as recognition for Culkin's acting prowess but also as a platform to celebrate the tightly woven narratives of family, history, and emotional healing presented within "A Real Pain." With critics noting his performance as both humorous and heartbreaking, the film has left audiences discussing its themes long after the credits roll.
Looking forward, Culkin is set to lend his voice to the character Squealer in Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of George Orwell’s "Animal Farm," scheduled to be released later this year, hinting at his continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles.
Upon receiving his Oscar, Kieran Culkin not only celebrated his own achievements but also highlighted the importance of family and the true joys of life beyond the glitz of Hollywood. "That stuff is nice, but the real stuff is me being home with my kids, when I'm reading them books and singing them songs until they go to sleep. That’s the whole point of life," he expressed, capturing the essence of what drives him amid the accolades and recognition.