Sebastian Stan is basking in the glow of his recent Oscar nomination for his compelling portrayal of Donald Trump in the biographical film, The Apprentice. The film, which was released on October 11, 2024, depicts the early years of Trump's career as a businessman, focusing on his tumultuous relationship with attorney Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong, who also earned praise with his own nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Stan's nomination for Best Actor marks his first nod from the Academy, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Despite its box office struggles, The Apprentice has generated significant acclaim. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with interest before facing backlash from Trump's camp. Following its screening, Trump's legal team attempted to intervene, claiming the film's content distorted his life and campaign—particularly surrounding portrayals of his first wife, Ivana Trump, and controversial narrative elements. Critics of the film suggest it offers insights not only about Trump’s rise but also about the historical and ethical questions raised by his character and strategies.
The controversy surrounding the film intensified following Trump's derisive comments on social media, where he labeled it 'false and classless', expressing his displeasure and desire for its failure. His public outcry did not deter the voting members of the Academy, who recognized Stan’s nuanced performance among formidable competition. Stan finds himself alongside fellow nominee Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, and Ralph Fiennes, each bringing strong performances from their respective films.
Stan's portrayal of Trump has not only caught the attention of the Academy but has also reignited discussions about the cultural significance of cinematic portrayals of controversial figures. Stan acknowledges the challenges of embodying such a polarizing character, stating, "I received much love from some colleagues, but they were also afraid to talk about this film," reflecting on the anxieties surrounding Trump's perception within Hollywood.
Interestingly, The Apprentice was nearly sidelined by the industry. Following its tumultuous path to distribution, multiple major U.S. studios declined to back the film, partly due to the contentious nature of its subject matter. Trump’s team reportedly attempted to block its release, framing it as defamatory and politically charged, particularly with the 2024 U.S. presidential elections fast approaching. Yet, as Oscars season approached, the film saw renewed interest, having grossed over $17 million, significantly recouping its production budget and proving its potential impact.
Stan has openly discussed the rigorous preparation he undertook for the role, including extensively studying videos of Trump and adopting his mannerisms. “I had hundreds of videos on my phone to understand his gestures,” he explained during interviews, highlighting the lengths he went to accurately capture the essence of Trump. He shared how the physical transformation included gaining weight to wear the legendary suits worn by Trump in the 1980s, saying, "You’d be surprised to hear I gained 5 kilos in just two months."
Despite his success, there remain hurdles for Stan. He has expressed how the subject matter of the film has alienated him within certain industry circles, exemplified by his experience with Variety’s Actors on Actors series, where he was sidelined as co-stars hesitated to engage with him citing concerns over the controversial nature of their discussion. This situation led to backlash from some industry peers, who viewed it as an example of fear and division within Hollywood. Notably director Adam McKay voiced his disapproval of such avoidance, stating, "The only way we will get past this is with extreme solidarity."
Reflecting on the role, Stan has stressed his intent was to evoke empathy and provoke thought about Trump’s influence on American politics. He posed challenging questions to audiences about Trump's decisions—"Do you really trust this guy?"—hoping to spark conversations rather than merely depict events from Trump’s biography.
With the Oscars fast approaching, Stan's nomination has solidified his place not only as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors but as one willing to take risks. From his beginnings as the Winter Soldier to tackling one of modern history's most divisive figures, Stan’s career continues to blossom. Regardless of the outcome when the Oscars are awarded, his nomination signifies the culmination of his efforts to engage with complex and challenging material.
Overall, 2025 could very well be the defining year for Sebastian Stan. With accolades pouring in for both his role as Trump and his acclaimed performance in A Different Man, Stan is proving to be more than just another name but rather a significant voice and presence within contemporary cinema.