Kieran Culkin brought his signature humor to the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards when he accepted the award
for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in A Real Pain.
The 42-year-old actor, known for his role as Roman Roy in Succession,
was met with laughter and applause as he took the stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Culkin’s acceptance speech was full of comedic moments that showcased his quick wit.
After receiving the prestigious trophy, he remarked on its surprising weight, joking,
“This thing is incredibly heavy.” He went on to add, “It’s funny that the heaviest of all awards is the one given by actors,” eliciting laughter from the crowd. This lighthearted commentary set the tone for what would be a memorable moment during the ceremony.
The actor then turned to fellow nominee Adrien Brody, a frontrunner for the Lead Actor category, and made a playful jab about the 45-second time limit for speeches. “There was no reason to take that shot; I love you, it’s a joke. You take your time,” he said, referencing Brody’s earlier speech. The audience laughed along with Culkin, and Brody, sitting in the crowd, responded with a smile.
Culkin, known for his dry sense of humor, didn’t stop there. He continued his speech with a series of humorous ramblings, admitting that he “didn’t think of anything” to say before he stepped up to the podium. After a few more moments of light-hearted self-deprecation, Culkin acknowledged the award’s significance, stating, “It means a lot, this is a huge honor.” But, true to form, he continued to crack jokes, concluding with, “I haven’t said anything,” before giving thanks to several important people in his life.
He thanked the film’s writer-director, Jesse Eisenberg, and gave shout-outs to his wife and children. Culkin also took a moment to praise his co-stars and the entire team behind A Real Pain, where he portrays a character who embarks on a journey through Poland with his cousin, played by Eisenberg, to honor their late grandmother.
His playful and unscripted speech was a refreshing departure from the usual formulaic acceptance addresses and had the audience in stitches. The SAG Awards ceremony has long been known for its relaxed atmosphere compared to other awards shows, and Culkin’s speech perfectly embodied that spirit.
“A Real Pain,” in which Culkin stars alongside Eisenberg, has been widely praised for its dramatic depth, and Culkin’s performance has garnered career-best reviews. His portrayal of a complex, emotionally charged character has earned him critical acclaim, making his win at the SAG Awards even more significant. The movie tells the story of two polar-opposite cousins, who, despite their differences, reconnect and embark on a poignant journey. The film’s raw emotion and captivating performances have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Before this win, Culkin had previously been nominated for a SAG Award for his role in Succession, where he played the sardonic and troubled Roman Roy. His win for A Real Pain marks a new chapter in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles.
This year’s Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role category at the SAG Awards was stacked with talented nominees. Alongside Culkin, the other nominees included Jonathan Bailey for Wicked, Yura Borisov for Anora, Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown, and Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice. Each of these actors brought unique and powerful performances to their respective films, making Culkin’s win all the more impressive.
Culkin’s success at the SAG Awards serves as a reminder of his talent and range, while his speech added a touch of comedy and humility to an already unforgettable night. His ability to laugh at himself and connect with the audience on a personal level only makes him more beloved by fans and colleagues alike. As Culkin continues to make his mark in Hollywood, it’s clear that his career will only continue to rise, with his natural charm and remarkable talent taking him to even greater heights.
The SAG Awards 2025 will likely be remembered not just for the performances celebrated but also for Culkin’s unforgettable and hilarious acceptance speech, which will go down as one of the night’s most memorable moments.
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