Kieran Culkin is riding high after winning the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his captivating performance in the comedy-drama film A Real Pain, which was held on January 6, 2025. Culkin's victory marks both a significant personal achievement and adds to the exciting anticipation surrounding this year's awards season.
The Golden Globes ceremony took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, where comedian and TV host Nikki Glaser hosted the evening. Culkin's win for his performance as Benji Kaplan was particularly noteworthy, as it signifies his emergence as one of the front-runners for the upcoming Oscars.
Receiving the award, Culkin took to the stage with enthusiasm, humorously referencing his recent celebration with fellow actor Mario Lopez. “My wife and I did a shot of tequila with Mario Lopez. Definitely feeling this! Whole speech is gone!” His lighthearted approach won over the audience and showcased his genuine appreciation for the honor.
Culkin triumphed over strong competition, including Denzel Washington, Jeremy Strong, and Edward Norton, for his role as Benji, the charismatic cousin on a Holocaust tour through Poland, alongside his strait-laced relative played by Jesse Eisenberg. The film, directed by Eisenberg, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has received positive reviews for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances.
Culkin previously won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his acclaimed role as Roman Roy on the HBO series Succession. His early career saw him nominated multiple times, including for his role as the lead in the film Igby Goes Down and for supporting acting on Succession. Now, with this most recent win, he is being recognized for his transition to feature films.
Reflecting on his successes, Culkin acknowledged the importance of the Golden Globe nominations throughout his career. “The first ever acknowledgment I got as an actor was Golden Globe nomination. I was basically a kid, and so this meant a lot. Now it’s like the best date night my wife and I ever have,” he noted, underscoring the personal significance these accolades hold for him.
A Real Pain follows the story of two cousins honoring their grandmother's memory. Their adventure to Poland is layered with comedy, as the characters confront personal demons and explore their Jewish heritage. The film stands out not only for its heartfelt premise but also for the complexity and depth of Culkin’s portrayal, which has been widely praised by both critics and audiences alike.
The film garnered nominations across multiple categories at the Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay, reinforcing its prestige and the impact of its storytelling. Following this recognition, A Real Pain is set to stream on Hulu starting January 16, 2025, allowing even more viewers to experience the film's charm.
Culkin's Golden Globe win positions him advantageously for the Oscars, where historically, winners of the Best Supporting Actor category at the Globes have gone on to win the same award at the Academy Awards. This adds weight to the excitement surrounding Culkin’s performance and fuels speculation about his chances at the Oscars.
While Denzel Washington remains a formidable competitor for his role in Gladiator II, the trends favoring Golden Globe winners suggest optimism for Culkin fans. Past winners such as Ke Huy Quan and Mahershala Ali have set precedents for Oscar wins following Golden Globe victories. Culkin’s accolade, combined with the emotional depth of A Real Pain, keeps him squarely within the aspirational radar for Oscar nods.
Engaging audiences through its blend of humor and poignant reflection, A Real Pain reflects themes of family heritage and unresolved tensions, positioning it as both timely and timeless. The film's acclaim, coupled with Culkin's standout performance, marks this film as one of the noteworthy cultural moments of 2025.
This exciting award has undoubtedly catapulted Kieran Culkin's name to new heights within Hollywood. A Real Pain may very well pave the way for greater opportunities for Culkin, establishing him not merely as the young actor known for his roles years ago but as a serious contender on the current cinematic stage.
Fans of both Culkin and Eisenberg eagerly anticipate the film's streaming release, making it easily accessible to those who want to witness Culkin's award-winning performance. The significance of A Real Pain and Culkin’s contributions to it will likely resonate far beyond the Golden Globes, shaping discussions through awards season and beyond.