Kieran Culkin won the Oscar for best supporting actor at the 97th Academy Awards, completing a sweep of the category that followed his dominance in television awards last season. The award is for his portrayal of Benji in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain,” marking his first win and nomination.
Culkin thanked his manager, mother, Eisenberg, and wife Jazz Charton during his acceptance speech, joking about wanting more kids with his wife. He said that after winning a Golden Globe for the same film at the Emmys last January, his wife reminded him that she would give him another child if he won an Oscar.
Culkin’s win comes after he picked up several awards earlier this month, including the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Independent Spirit Award, SAG Award, and critics awards. The category was seen as one of few with a clear favorite ahead of the ceremony.
Written and directed by Eisenberg, “A Real Pain” follows cousins Benji and David on a trip through Poland for a Holocaust tour to honor their late grandmother. Culkin’s performance as the unfiltered but quick-to-connect Benji is praised for its ability to deliver humor despite heavy themes.
Culkin previously starred in the film “Home Alone” at age 7 and received his first major award nomination for the 2002 film “Igby Goes Down.” His portrayal of Roman Roy on “Succession” brought him widespread fandom and acclaim, including a Golden Globe and Emmy Award for the series’ final season.
Culkin expressed gratitude to Eisenberg, saying “Jesse, you’re a genius. I would never say that to your face. I’m never saying it again. So soak it up.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/best-supporting-actor-2025-oscars-97fa07da6c4ce48fec65eaebd3630635