Kieran Culkin Wins 1st Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Reminds Wife of Baby Promise/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kieran Culkin won his first Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in A Real Pain, capping off a dominant awards season. During his speech, he humorously reminded his wife, Jazz Charton, of her promise to have a fourth child if he won an Oscar—prompting her to laughingly mouth “No!” from the audience. Culkin also thanked director Jesse Eisenberg and playfully praised fellow nominee Jeremy Strong in a partially censored moment. His win follows a string of victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors this season.
Quick Look
- Kieran Culkin wins best supporting actor for “A Real Pain,” marking his first Oscar victory.
- During his speech, he playfully reminded his wife, Jazz Charton, of her promise to have more children if he won an Oscar.
- Charton, laughing, mouthed an emphatic “No!” in response.
- Culkin thanked director Jesse Eisenberg and praised fellow nominee Jeremy Strong, getting partially bleeped in the process.
- His win caps off a dominant awards season, where he also won a Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award.
- Culkin nearly dropped out of “A Real Pain” but was convinced to stay by producer Emma Stone.
Kieran Culkin Wins 1st Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Reminds Wife of Baby Promise
Deep Look
Kieran Culkin took home his first Academy Award on Sunday, winning best supporting actor for his performance in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain.” The actor, known for his sharp wit and memorable award speeches, made the most of his moment by reminding his wife, Jazz Charton, of a promise she had made.
At the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Culkin won for his role in “Succession,” he had publicly asked his wife for a third child, revealing that she had jokingly agreed to another baby if he won. But after the show, she reluctantly admitted, “I did say that.”
Culkin then took it a step further, telling her, “Really, I want four.” To which Charton countered, “I will give you four when you win an Oscar.” With his golden statuette in hand, Culkin seized the opportunity.
“I just have this to say to you, Jazz — love of my life, ye of little faith — no pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. Now, let’s get cracking on those kids. What do you say?” Charton, laughing from her seat, emphatically mouthed “No!”
Culkin’s speech continued in his signature irreverent style, delivering a mix of heartfelt gratitude and dry humor. He thanked Eisenberg for writing and directing “A Real Pain,” saying, “You’re a genius. I would never say that to your face. I’m never saying it again. So soak it up.”
He also gave a special shoutout to his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong, nominated in the same category for his role in “The Apprentice.” However, his praise for Strong was partially censored as he enthusiastically said, “Jeremy, you’re amazing in ‘The Apprentice.’ I love your work, it’s f***ing…” before catching himself.
Culkin’s victory was the culmination of a dominant awards season. Leading up to the Oscars, he won best supporting actor at the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and several other ceremonies.
In “A Real Pain,” Culkin plays an unpredictable, sometimes exasperating man who embarks on a journey through Holocaust memorial sites with his cousin, played by Eisenberg. The film allowed him to showcase the mix of comedy and emotional depth that had been evident in his work since “Igby Goes Down” (2002).
Despite his success, Culkin nearly pulled out of the film just weeks before production began, unwilling to leave his family for a month-long shoot in Europe. It was producer Emma Stone who convinced him to stay. “She goes, ‘If you don’t do it, the entire movie falls apart. But that’s not your responsibility. You shouldn’t feel that burden at all,’” Culkin recalled in an interview.
With his Oscar win, Culkin joins his older brother, Macaulay Culkin, who was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year. The Culkin siblings, once known primarily for their childhood roles, now both hold significant places in Hollywood history.
As for whether his Oscar will actually lead to baby number four, only time will tell. But judging by Charton’s reaction, Culkin may have some negotiating to do.
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