Which actor won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2025 for his performance in A Real Pain?

Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, for his compelling performance in the film "A Real Pain." In the comedy-drama, Culkin portrays Benji, a charismatic yet emotionally complex cousin who embarks on a poignant journey. His portrayal was widely lauded for its blend of humor, depth, and vulnerability, marking a significant milestone in his career.

"A Real Pain" is a critically acclaimed film written, directed, and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg. The story follows two estranged Jewish-American cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), as they travel to Poland to explore their family's heritage and honor their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor (Review). The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, received a theatrical release on November 1, 2024, before gaining widespread recognition during awards season.

Culkin's Oscar win for "A Real Pain" was the culmination of a highly successful awards run, where he was a strong frontrunner in the Best Supporting Actor category. Prior to the Academy Awards, he had already collected numerous accolades for the role, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award. While Culkin has long been admired for his work, notably his Emmy-winning role as Roman Roy in the hit HBO series "Succession," this Oscar victory marked his first Academy Award nomination and win, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most respected talents.