Kieran Culkin Jokes About His Mom in Oscar Speech — But Doesn’t Mention Brother Macaulay

Kieran Culkin’s Historic Oscar Win for Best Supporting Actor

In a moment that will be etched in cinematic history, Kieran Culkin claimed the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2025 Oscars. His captivating performance as Benjamin “Benji” Kaplan in Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial masterpiece, A Real Pain, earned him this well-deserved accolade. The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, was a star-studded event that saw Robert Downey Jr., last year’s winner for Oppenheimer, presenting the award to Culkin.

A Heartfelt and Humorous Acceptance Speech

True to his character, Culkin’s acceptance speech was a blend of emotion and humor. He began by expressing his disbelief at the honor, reflecting on how acting had simply been a part of his life without any grand ambition. He paid a touching tribute to his manager of 30 years, Emily Gerson Saines, acknowledging her pivotal role in his career. “I have no idea how I got here, I’ve just been acting my whole life. It’s just been part of what I do. I felt like this was never my trajectory, but however I got here, I know that Emily Gerson Saines, my manager of 30 years, it’s because of you, thank you for being there, I lean on you for everything, so, please don’t go anywhere. I’d be completely lost without you, I love you.”

Culkin’s speech took a lighter turn with a playful jab at his wife, Jazz Charton, recounting a humorous anecdote about their plans for a third child. He shared how her promise of another child was contingent upon his Oscar win, leaving the audience in stitches with the witty exchange that sealed their pact. His speech concluded with a romantic and playful nudge to his wife, “Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith, No pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. And let’s get cracking on those kids, what do you say? I love you.”

A Stellar Lineup of Nominees

The competition for the Best Supporting Actor category was fierce, featuring an array of talented actors. Kieran Culkin was in esteemed company alongside Anora’s Yura Borisov, A Complete Unknown’s Edward Norton, The Brutalist’s Guy Pearce, and The Apprentice’s Jeremy Strong. Each brought their own unique brilliance to their roles, making the selection a challenging task for the Academy.

Culkin, ever the gracious winner, took a moment to acknowledge his fellow nominees, particularly his former Succession co-star Jeremy Strong. He praised Strong’s performance in The Apprentice, expressing his admiration and regretting a brief slip-up with an unintended expletive. It was a moment of genuine camaraderie that highlighted the spirit of mutual respect among artists.

Kieran Culkin’s Award Season Domination

Leading up to the Oscars, Culkin had already made his mark on the 2025 awards season. He swept the major accolades, including the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, and the Critics Choice Award and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Despite missing a couple of ceremonies due to prior commitments and personal reasons, Culkin’s presence was felt throughout the season.

At the events he attended, Culkin maintained his signature blend of humor and sincerity. He famously joked about how a pre-Golden Globes tequila shot with Mario Lopez left him forgetting his speech and humorously complained about the weight of the SAG Award statue. These lighthearted moments endeared him to audiences and set a positive tone for the season.

A Nostalgic Reunion with Jeremy Strong

The Oscar nominations brought an interesting twist for fans of HBO’s Succession. Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong, who played brothers Roman and Kendall Roy, found themselves once again in competition, mirroring their on-screen dynamic. While both actors refrained from publicly commenting on this reunion, their reactions to the nominations were telling.

Strong, known for his intense dedication to his craft, released a heartfelt statement. “I have devoted my life to the attempt to do genuine work that would be worthy of this honor,” he said, expressing his deep gratitude and emotional response to the nomination. Meanwhile, Culkin’s wife, Jazz Charton, celebrated his nod with an exuberant Instagram post, capturing the joy and excitement of the moment.

In conclusion, Kieran Culkin’s Oscar win represents the pinnacle of a rewarding journey, marked by talent, perseverance, and a touch of humor. His heartfelt words and lighthearted jabs not only entertained but also revealed a man grateful for his career, his team, and his family. As the industry and fans celebrate his achievement, it’s clear that Kieran Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain has left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s landscape.