Sebastian Stan’s Impactful Golden Globes Speech Highlights Disability Awareness, Yet Fellow Disabled Actor Gets Overlooked

Highlighting Neurofibromatosis Through Film: A Different Man

The film A Different Man brings attention to neurofibromatosis, a condition characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tumors throughout the body. In the lead role of this poignant narrative is Sebastian Stan, who recently received a Golden Globe for his performance. However, the true focal point of the film is Adam Pearson, an actor who lives with neurofibromatosis.

A Golden Globe Acceptance Speech That Resonated

While accepting his award, Stan took a moment to acknowledge both Pearson and director Aaron Schimberg. He expressed gratitude for their trust and shared a powerful message condemning ableism. “Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now,”he stated, urging society to normalize these discussions and foster acceptance. His statement emphasized the importance of telling inclusive stories in film.

Controversy Surrounding Nominations

Despite the impactful nature of Stan’s speech, a wave of criticism followed on social media regarding Pearson’s exclusion from award nominations. Notably, many users pointed out that the film’s disabled actor did not receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actor and was absent from the Golden Globes event.

It’s pretty great that Sebastian Stan won Best Actor for A DIFFERENT MAN. It’s pretty annoying that Adam Pearson wasn’t even nominated for Best Supporting Actor for A DIFFERENT MAN.

— Bilge Two (@BilgeTwo) January 6,

haven’t seen a different man yet (hopefully this week) but it seems fucking crazy Adam Pearson wasn’t invited to the globes right

— Paddy Slitterhead (@HorrorBuffPaddy) January 6, 2025

Was Adam Pearson actually not nominated cause that’s really disgusting

— The Discos End (@Disco_Robot) January 6,

Adam Pearson’s Response and Advocacy

In response to the recognition Stan received, Pearson took to his X account to express his happiness: “That’s my guy right there! Couldn’t be happier for him!” However, he has been an outspoken advocate for the visibility of disabled individuals in Hollywood, highlighting the rampant ableism within the industry.

The Underrepresentation of Disabled Actors

In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Pearson reflected on his journey, stating he never considered acting previously because he believed that people with disabilities were rarely represented in films. He pointed out the shocking statistic that only three disabled actors have ever won Academy Awards: Harold Russell (1947), Marlee Matlin (1987), and Troy Kotsur (2022).

Impact and Future Steps

Pearson first gained recognition for his role alongside Scarlett Johansson in Under the Skin and leveraged his platform to address issues related to disability discrimination. In his 2015 BBC Three documentary, The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crime, he emphasized the lack of representation of disfigurement in media as a barrier to understanding. His insights urge us to confront societal ignorance and promote inclusivity.

Stan’s call to dismantle the stigma surrounding disability and disfigurement is crucial. Yet, it also highlights the pressing need for genuine acknowledgment of disabled actors, not just as a footnote in acceptance speeches, but as rightful nominees and participants in award ceremonies.

Source & Images