Kieran Culkin celebrated his victory at the 97th Academy Awards by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his moving performance as Benji in the film True Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. This marked the first Oscar for the 42-year-old actor, who was the favorite going in, and it was the first accolade presented during the ceremony.
Upon stepping onto the grand stage of the Dolby Theatre, Culkin received the prestigious award from Robert Downey Jr., who himself won the Oscar for Oppenheimer. Culkin's role has been highly acclaimed, securing him several awards prior to the ceremony, including the Golden Globe and BAFTA. His character Benji embarks on a poignant trip with his cousin, played by Eisenberg, to honor their late grandmother's memory.
Eisenberg’s film, which is described as his love letter to Poland, explores themes of grief and interpersonal relationships within the family. Culkin's performance stands out, as he plays the emotionally open Benji, contrasting with Eisenberg's portrayal of David, who is more reserved and anxious. The majority of the film was shot in Poland, featuring both locations and themes deeply rooted within the country’s culture.
During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Culkin expressed praise for fellow nominee Jeremy Strong, who plays his brother on the acclaimed HBO series Succession. He also touched on his family life, recalling how his wife, Jazz Charton, promised him their third child if he won the Golden Globe for Succession the previous year. He humorously added, "After the last show, we walked through the parking lot, and she said, 'I really said this. I think I owe you the third child.' I turned to her and said, 'Actually, I want four of them.' She turned back and said, 'I'll give you four if you win the Oscar.'"
This touching flashback added a personal element to his acceptance, illustrating how intertwined his family life is with his career milestones. Culkin's performance offers depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics and the often complicated process of dealing with loss. Reviews have highlighted not just his acting skills, but the emotional resonance of the story, drawing audiences close to its universality.
Critics have noted True Pain as compelling and poignant, with leading publications praising Culkin's dynamic portrayal and his ability to navigate between humor and tragedy. Owen Gleiberman from Variety described his role as "a sensational acting achievement," underlining how it showcased Culkin's growth as an actor beyond his earlier work.
"True Pain" captures not only the essence of familial bonds but also pays homage to Polish heritage, featuring Polish filmmakers and technicians, which added authenticity to the narrative. Culkin's Oscar win has been viewed as emblematic of the film's broader cultural significance, serving as recognition not only for his work but also for the collaborative effort between American and Polish talents.
Jesse Eisenberg, who both directed and starred in the film, stated, "This film is my love letter to Poland." This sentiment resonates throughout the production, as the story stems from his connection to the country's Jewish heritage and his family's history.
The Polish government also recognized Culkin's achievement, with Radosław Sikorski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, commenting on social media, "Congratulations to Kieran Culkin for his Oscar-winning role in True Pain! A universal story about grief, memory, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of Poland, based on our history and Jewish heritage."
Overall, Culkin's win shines not only as a milestone for his career but also as a significant reminder of the rich stories and emotional narratives films can bring to light. His portrayal of Benji, filled with vulnerability and authenticity, resonates deeply and has left its mark on audiences and critics alike. With the film already garnering praise, its unique position on the cinematic map is firmly established, thanks to Culkin's remarkable performance.