In a night of glitz and glamour, Kieran Culkin took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, for his standout performance in A Real Pain. The win marks a defining moment in Culkin’s career, which has seen him evolve from a child actor in Home Alone to a critically acclaimed star in Succession and now, a celebrated film actor. With a heartfelt yet humorous acceptance speech, Culkin’s victory has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s elite.
Oscar Win and Acceptance Speech: A Night to Remember
At the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Culkin triumphed over a competitive field, including Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), and his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). His portrayal of Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain—a charming yet emotionally complex character—earned rave reviews and, ultimately, the coveted Oscar statuette.
In his acceptance speech, Culkin delivered a mix of gratitude and humor, including a bleeped F-bomb while praising Strong’s performance in The Apprentice. “I have no idea how I got here. I’ve just been acting my whole life, it’s just been a part of what I do,” he said, reflecting on his journey. He also jokingly reminded his wife, Jazz Charton, of her promise to have more children if he won, adding a personal touch that resonated with the audience. Watch the full speech here.
A Real Pain: A Film That Resonates
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain is a comedy-drama that follows two mismatched cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), as they embark on a heritage tour in Poland to honor their late grandmother. Against the backdrop of their family’s history, old tensions and personal struggles come to the surface. The film, released on November 1, 2024, has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Culkin’s performance has been described as “scene-stealing” and “emotionally resonant,” marking a career-defining role.
A Real Pain also earned a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, though Eisenberg lost to Sean Baker for Anora. The film is available for streaming on Disney+, and its trailer can be viewed here.
From Succession to the Silver Screen: Career Highlights
Culkin’s rise to prominence is closely tied to his role as Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, which ended its four-season run in May 2023. His portrayal of the witty, troubled heir earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2023 and set the stage for his transition to film. “Succession was a game-changer for me,” Culkin said in a 2024 interview with Variety. “It gave me the chance to show what I could do.”
His career began much earlier, with childhood roles alongside his brother Macaulay in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). Over the years, Culkin has steadily built his resume with films like Father of the Bride and Igby Goes Down, but it was Succession that catapulted him into the spotlight.
Personal Life: Family, Fatherhood, and Brotherly Bonds
Beyond the screen, Culkin’s personal life has also drawn public interest. He married Jazz Charton in 2013, and the couple has two children: Kinsey Sioux (born 2019) and Wilder Wolf (born 2021). Charton, a former model from the U.K., occasionally shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram, as seen in this rare photo. In his Oscar speech, Culkin humorously referenced a promise from Charton to expand their family, saying, “You said we’d have more kids if I won this, so... let’s go!”
Culkin’s relationship with his brother, Macaulay Culkin—best known for his role in Home Alone—is another point of fascination. While the brothers share a close bond, they live in different cities and haven’t met each other’s youngest children. “We’re close, but life gets busy,” Kieran told Entertainment Weekly. The Culkin family includes six other siblings, as detailed in this People article.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Culkin’s Oscar win has positioned him as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. His ability to seamlessly transition from television to film has set a new standard, and industry insiders predict a bright future. “Kieran has the range and charisma to take on any role,” said an anonymous studio executive. “He’s just getting started.”
While no upcoming projects have been officially announced, rumors suggest Culkin is in talks for a leading role in a high-profile biopic. His win also adds to the growing trend of television actors making successful leaps to the big screen, following in the footsteps of stars like Zendaya and Pedro Pascal.
The Bigger Picture: Awards Season and Beyond
Culkin’s victory was part of a memorable Oscars night, with Zoe Zaldana winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez and Emma Stone taking home Best Actress in 2024 for Poor Things. The awards season highlighted a diverse range of talent, with Culkin’s win standing out as a testament to his perseverance and skill.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, Culkin’s journey—from a child actor in a famous family to an Oscar-winning star—serves as an inspiring narrative of growth and reinvention. With his talent, charm, and a touch of humor, Kieran Culkin is poised to remain a fixture in the entertainment world for years to come.
Key Awards Recap:
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain (2025)
- Best Original Screenplay Nomination: Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain (2025)
- Emmy, Outstanding Lead Actor: Kieran Culkin, Succession (2023)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Zaldana, Emilia Pérez (2025)
- Best Actress: Emma Stone, Poor Things (2024)
For more on Kieran Culkin’s Oscar win and career, visit Oscars.org.