Kieran Culkin wins his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the film True Grit
Kieran Culkin won his first Oscar for his role as Benji in Jesse Eisenberg's True Grit.
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At the 97th Academy Awards, Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor category, beating out such nominees as Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Yura Borisov (Anora) and his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). The award is the culmination of a successful season that also saw him win a BAFTA, Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award.
In True Grit, Culkin plays Benji, the chaotic but sincere cousin of Eisenberg's character. The story follows their journey across Poland to honour the memory of their Holocaust survivor grandmother. The film skilfully combines humour with serious reflections on Jewish identity, intergenerational trauma and family ties. Thanks to his natural charm and good acting, Kalkin managed to convey the complexity of Benji's character, which earned him critical acclaim.
During his speech, Culkin thanked director Jesse Eisenberg for the opportunity to play the role: "Jesse Eisenberg, you are a genius. But I will never say it to your face, so enjoy the moment."
The actor also mentioned his wife Jazz Charton in a joking manner: "Last year I told her I wanted a third child if I won an Emmy. She replied: "Okay, but you'll only get a fourth if you win an Oscar." So now there's no pressure, darling!"
Culkin began his career as a child with a role in the film Home Alone, but he gained real recognition for his role as Roman Roy in the TV series Succession. His Oscar win was another confirmation of his acting talent.
Source: Oscars
