Oscar 2025: Kieran Culkin wins best supporting actor at Academy Awards-How the ‘Succession’ star conquered Hollywood

Kieran Culkin, 42, has officially sealed his place among Hollywood’s finest, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in A Real Pain. The victory was widely expected, following a string of wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. His portrayal of Benji, a chaotic yet deeply human character, resonated with audiences and critics alike.

A Role That Felt Natural

“I connected with the character immediately, which almost never happens,” Culkin told AFP at the film’s premiere at Sundance. Benji, an impulsive and free-spirited man navigating a journey through his Jewish heritage with his more reserved cousin David (played by Jesse Eisenberg), allowed Culkin to balance humour and vulnerability in a way few actors can.

Director Jesse Eisenberg knew he had the right man for the role. “Kieran brings an unusual energy, impeccable timing, and intelligence to everything he does,” he told AFP. Culkin, who is not Jewish, was recommended for the part by Eisenberg’s sister, who instantly saw the fit.

A Speech Full of Heart and Humour

Taking the stage to accept his Oscar, Culkin was typically irreverent. “I have no idea how I got here. I’ve just been acting my whole life,” he said, before thanking Eisenberg: “You’re a genius. I would never say that to your face. I’m never saying it again.”

He also gave a nod to his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, telling him he was “fucking great” in The Apprentice. But perhaps the biggest laugh came when he turned to his wife, Jazz Charton. He recalled a deal they made when he won an Emmy last year—if he took home an Oscar, she’d give him a fourth child. “No pressure,” he quipped, “but let’s get cracking on those kids.”

From Child Star to Acclaimed Actor

Culkin’s journey to the Oscar stage has been anything but conventional. Born in 1982 into a family of actors, he made his debut at age 7 in Home Alone, appearing alongside his famous older brother, Macaulay Culkin. He went on to star in Father of the Bride and Igby Goes Down, the latter earning him a Golden Globe nomination in 2002.

Despite early success, Culkin shied away from Hollywood for years, preferring stage roles in London’s West End and on Broadway. It was his casting as Roman Roy in Succession that changed everything. The darkly comic role of the immature yet sharp-tongued media heir catapulted him to stardom, earning him a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

A Real Performance in A Real Pain

Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain is a masterclass in emotional range. As Benji, he oscillates between sentimental and reckless, pulling David into an experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The film, written and directed by Eisenberg, explores themes of grief, generational trauma, and cultural identity with both levity and poignancy.

The story follows the cousins as they embark on a heritage tour of Poland to honour their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Benji, lost in grief, hopes to rekindle his childhood bond with David, a neurotic New Yorker weighed down by responsibilities. Their contrasting personalities provide the film with its beating heart, and Culkin’s ability to shift seamlessly between comedic and deeply moving moments is what makes his performance stand out.

Culkin’s next role will see him lending his voice to Squealer in Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of Animal Farm, set for release later this year. But despite his recent accolades, he remains grounded.

“That stuff is nice, but the real stuff is me being home with my kids, reading them books and singing them songs until they go to sleep. That’s the whole point of life. The rest of it I’m doing so I can get back to that,” he told The New York Times.

After years of building a career away from the limelight, Kieran Culkin is finally getting his due. And if A Real Pain is any indication, this is just the beginning of his next great chapter.