Kieran Culkin: The Leading Frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor Oscar Explained

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for A Real Pain.

Kieran Culkin’s captivating performance in A Real Pain solidifies his position as a frontrunner for the 2025 Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Although he shares the screen with notable talents such as Will Sharpe (from The White Lotus), Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing), Kurt Egyiawan (The Agency), and Jesse Eisenberg (famed for his role in The Social Network), Culkin shines as a standout performer. Following his recent victory at the 2025 Golden Globes, it’s clear why many consider him a leading candidate for the upcoming Academy Awards.

With A Real Pain now available for streaming on Hulu, newcomers to the film can witness the remarkable depth of Culkin’s portrayal. His recent win at the Golden Globes—where he surprisingly outperformed Denzel Washington for Best Supporting Actor—signals significant momentum heading into the Oscars. Despite earning accolades for his work on HBO’s Succession, including an Emmy and a previous Golden Globe, Culkin is yet to receive an Academy Award nomination as of this writing.

Kieran Culkin Delivering an Outstanding Performance in A Real Pain

Culkin’s Remarkable Signature Performance as Benji

Benji (Kieran Culkin) smiling in the airport in A Real Pain

While A Real Pain predominantly showcases the vision of Jesse Eisenberg—its writer, director, and lead performer—Culkin’s emotionally charged performance truly captures the audience’s attention. His unique approach combines quick-witted humor with an intense sensitivity, creating characters that provoke strong emotional responses. This intricate blend is reminiscent of his Emmy-winning portrayal of Roman Roy on Succession, where he brilliantly navigated chaotic dysfunction and stark honesty.

Just prior to Culkin’s rise, many believed that Denzel Washington would dominate the 2025 Best Supporting Actor category due to his exceptional role in Gladiator II. While Washington’s performance did indeed shine alongside newcomers like Paul Mescal, Culkin’s Golden Globe triumph has shifted the dynamics of this race. His character, the flawed yet endearing Benji, serves as the perfect counterpart to Eisenberg’s rigid and neurotic David—a dynamic that undoubtedly enhances the film’s overall reception.

Why Kieran Culkin Deserves the Best Supporting Actor Oscar

Culkin: An Irreplaceable Contender for the Award

Culkin’s portrayal is not just commendably strong; it is essential to the film’s success, reinforcing his credentials as a serious contender for the Oscar in 2025. While Washington remains a formidable opponent due to his performance in Gladiator II, others like Guy Pearce in The Brutalist and Edward Norton for his role in A Complete Unknown are also gaining traction. Additionally, dark horse candidates such as Jeremy Strong from The Apprentice and Yura Borisov from Anora keep adding intrigue to the race.

Nevertheless, Culkin’s performance stands out as the only one among projected nominees that feels truly irreplaceable, underscoring his deserving nature for the Best Supporting Actor award for A Real Pain.

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