Oscars 2025: Kieran Culkin Wins Best Supporting Actor

Kieran Culkin took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the ongoing 97th Academy Awards for his role in A Real Pain, a film he nearly quit just two weeks before production. 

In a category that has seen some of Hollywood’s best performances, Culkin’s win came against strong competition, beating Yura Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). His performance stood out for its wit and authenticity, complementing the film’s lead role well.

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During his acceptance speech, Culkin thanked Robert Downey Jr for presenting him with the award, and also gave a shout-out to his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, saying he thought he was “fucking great” in The Apprentice.

Culkin also thanked his agent of 30 years, as well as his director Jesse Eisenberg, calling him “a genius”.

Kieran Culkin at the 2025 Oscars.HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Kieran Culkin, winner of the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for "A Real Pain,” poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Ovation Hollywood on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images)

The actor also lightheartedly referenced his family life, joking that his wife Jazz Charton had only given him permission to ask for a fourth child if he won an Oscar. “I held my hand out and she shook it,” he said, calling Charton, “the love of my life … ye of little faith”.

“No pressure,” he added, grinning, “but let’s get cracking on those kids.”

This also happens to be Culkin's first-ever Oscar nomination and win.

The Jesse Eisenberg-directed drama follows two cousins navigating their family history while touring Poland. Culkin, known for his standout performance in Succession (2018), had intended to drop out of the film after the show’s extended final season left him wanting more time with his family. Eisenberg revealed he only learned about Culkin’s near-exit months later at Sundance, admitting he was initially annoyed, but later came to understand Culkin’s unconventional approach to the industry.

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However, producer Emma Stone, who also happens to be Culkin’s ex-girlfriend, convinced him to stay. Eisenberg later joked that Stone had “blackmailed” Culkin into boarding the flight to Poland, even capturing a “proof of life” video of him with his kids at customs.

Culkin’s performance earned widespread acclaim throughout awards season, securing wins at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice Awards before culminating in his Oscar victory.