Sebastian Stan has made headlines recently as he receives his first-ever Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump in the film The Apprentice. The film, which depicts Trump's beginnings as a businessman during the late 1970s and 1980s, dives deep not only exploring his ambitious nature but also his complex relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn. This nomination coincides with the political backdrop of Trump’s return to the White House, where he has maintained his controversial public persona.
This sharp-tongued biopic earns Stan recognition for his ability to derive depth from his character, steering clear of the caricature aspects often associated with Trump portrayals. What stands out is Stan's authentic delivery which eschews common mimicry, allowing him to portray Trump as both relatable and ambitious at the onset, before gradually illustrating his descent fueled by hubris and the negative influence of Cohn, who notoriously imparts lessons of deceit and aggression on his young protégé.
The nominations announced on January 23, 2025, saw Stan's Best Actor nod juxtaposed against Jeremy Strong's Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as Cohn. This dual acknowledgment from the Academy amplifies the film’s narrative relevance and the overall discourse associated with Trump's provocative history.
Stan's performance is receiving accolades as he distinctly carves out his space within the Oscar race, having been previously recognized at the Golden Globes for his role in A Different Man. While he won there, the Oscar spotlight shines brightly on his portrayal of Trump, stirring anticipation about how this might reflect back on the film, especially with Trump’s recent political rhetoric.
Returning to the film's less-than-favorable reception by Trump himself, the former president took to Truth Social shortly following the film's premiere, calling it “a fake and classless movie written about me.” His harsh critique does not stop there; he labeled the filmmakers as “human scum” for what he described as creating defamation against his political image. The relevancy of his comments swells with significance today as Trump has successfully made his way back to the presidency, alluding to how the timing of the film really plays out against the backdrop of current events.
Stan has noted how this project has affected his standing within Hollywood circles. He expressed feeling shunned by some, as evident from his omission from the Actors on Actors series offered by Variety. "They were too afraid to go and talk about this movie," Stan commented during a screening, expressing his frustration with the industry's reaction to the politically charged narrative of The Apprentice. "It doesn’t matter, that's OK... I've got to do a lot of great things," he added, signaling his resilience regardless of the backlash.
The nominations for the Oscars prompt discussions beyond Stan's remarkable performance. They illuminate Hollywood's complex relationship with politics today, retracing how the industry's portrayal of public figures aligns with current social sentiments. With Stan’s award recognition, one can sense immediate shifts within the industry as it reflects on its own identity, perhaps painting this as Hollywood’s subtle dissent against contemporary political norms.
Viewing it all within the confines of the Academy, the film strikes as both daring and innovative, offering audiences perspectives on characters entwined with polarizing public sentiments. Strong’s portrayal of Cohn hints at the dark manipulations within political ascendancy, making the film not just relevant but also explosively engaging as audiences reconcile their own views alongside the narrative.
With the Academy Awards approaching on March 2, the expectations surrounding Stan's potential win are palpable. Given the cultural impact of his role and the discussions surrounding Trump's term, the Oscar buzz is not merely about personal achievements but speaks volumes on the industry's perception of political history. Could this be seen as Hollywood's gradual acknowledgement of its past and present responsibility? Only time will tell.