“Kieran Culkin Shocks Hollywood: Did He Really Earn That Oscar, or Was It Just Luck?”
Kieran Culkin made history at the 97th Academy Awards, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his mesmerizing performance in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain.” But as fans and critics celebrate, a lingering question remains: Did Culkin truly earn this win, or was it a Hollywood love fest rewarding his TV dominance?
From TV Royalty to Oscar Glory
Culkin’s victory caps off a nearly unstoppable award season sweep, following wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAG Awards, and more. His role as the wildly unpredictable yet deeply lovable Benji in “A Real Pain” clearly resonated with audiences and critics alike. But was there ever really any competition?
In a category stacked with talent—Guy Pearce (“The Brutalist”), Edward Norton (“A Complete Unknown”), Yura Borisov (“Anora”), and even his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”)—Culkin stood as the undeniable favorite going in. Some say it was a done deal before the ceremony even started.
This victory marks a significant moment in Culkin’s career. While his older brother, Macaulay, skyrocketed to fame as Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone,” Kieran’s journey was quieter, filled with indie roles and supporting performances. Now, the tables have turned, and Kieran is in the Hollywood spotlight in his own right. Could this be the beginning of an era where the younger Culkin is finally the family’s biggest star?
A Speech to Remember: More Kids, More Laughs
In classic Culkin fashion, his acceptance speech was heartfelt, hilarious, and unexpected. Instead of the usual Hollywood thank-yous, he took the chance to remind his wife, Jazz Charton, about a very personal deal they made.
“About a year ago, I was on a stage like this, and I very stupidly, publicly, said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award, I would, she would give me the kid,” Culkin reminisced, referencing his Emmys speech from January.
The punchline? He wasn’t stopping at three. “She said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar,’” he revealed, sending the audience into fits of laughter.
“Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith. No pressure. I love you.”
Hollywood has heard a lot of wild speeches, but negotiating a family expansion on stage? That’s a new one.
This moment not only showcased his humor but also cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars. Unlike the overly polished and media-trained actors, Culkin remains refreshingly candid—a trait that might just make him even more beloved in the industry.
A Star Born in Nostalgia
For many, seeing Culkin hold an Oscar is like watching a childhood friend finally win big. From his earliest role as the Pepsi-guzzling cousin in “Home Alone” to his first Golden Globe nomination for “Igby Goes Down” in 2002, Culkin has been on a long journey to Hollywood’s highest honor. But it was “Succession” that catapulted him to mainstream fame, where his scene-stealing performance as Roman Roy made him an Emmy and Golden Globe winner.
Now, Culkin is proving he’s more than just TV royalty—he’s an Oscar-winning force to be reckoned with. And yet, one can’t help but wonder—would he have reached this level of recognition had “Succession” never happened? Or would he have remained another “that guy from that thing” actor, forever overshadowed by his older brother’s childhood fame?
Almost Didn’t Happen? The Emma Stone Connection
Surprisingly, Culkin almost didn’t take on the role that won him gold. With “Succession’s” final season running long, he considered stepping away from “A Real Pain” to spend time with his family. Enter Emma Stone—his ex-girlfriend and producer of the film—who convinced him to stay on, using a clever psychological trick.
“She let me off the hook completely,” Culkin shared. “And I think it was the moment I got off the phone that I was like ‘Oh (expletive), I’m doing this movie.’”
Stone, fresh off her own Oscar win last year, clearly knew what she was doing. Her persuasion might have just changed the course of Culkin’s career forever. Could she have a future as one of Hollywood’s most influential producers?
What’s Next for Culkin?
Culkin insists he’s nothing like the chaotic Benji he played. “Sometimes people will say like, oh, you’re a lot like that character. I wasn’t until I did it,” he said. “But I’d like to think that I’m a little more together than that. I’d like to think that I’ve figured some stuff out.”
But what does the future hold for the newly crowned Oscar winner? Will he stick to offbeat indie projects, or is he finally ready to take on the massive blockbusters that Hollywood keeps throwing his way? Could he become the next unlikely leading man in a major franchise, much like his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong, who is rumored to be joining a major comic book adaptation?
With an Oscar in hand, a thriving career, and potentially more kids on the way, Culkin is on top of the world. But one thing’s for sure—Hollywood loves a comeback story, and Kieran Culkin’s is just getting started. And if this award season has proven anything, it’s that sometimes, the underdog wins it all.
