At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Kieran Culkin officially became an Oscar winner, marking a career-defining moment for the “Succession” star. The actor won his first-ever Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Benji Kaplan in “A Real Pain.” Culkin’s victory was not only a major milestone in his acting career but also set the stage for a heartwarming and humorous moment during his acceptance speech, where he reminded his wife, Jazz Charton, of a promise she made regarding expanding their family.
A Long-Awaited Oscar Victory for Kieran Culkin
Kieran Culkin has been in the entertainment industry for decades, first making a name for himself in childhood roles alongside his older brother, Macaulay Culkin. Over the years, he built a strong reputation for his nuanced and often comedic performances. His role as Roman Roy in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession” earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, but it was his turn in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” that finally secured him Hollywood’s most prestigious award.
The film, written, directed by, and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg, follows two mismatched cousins as they embark on an emotional journey through Poland to honor their late grandmother. Culkin’s portrayal of Benji Kaplan, a sharp-witted but emotionally complex character, was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. His performance resonated deeply, making him a strong contender throughout the awards season. When his name was announced at the Oscars, the audience erupted into applause, and Culkin, visibly moved, took the stage to accept his golden statuette.
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Speech That Stole the Show
Culkin’s acceptance speech was one of the most memorable moments of the night. Known for his quick wit and charm, he seamlessly blended gratitude, humor, and personal anecdotes into his remarks. After thanking his co-stars, director Jesse Eisenberg, and his family, he turned his attention to his wife, Jazz Charton, sitting in the audience.
“Please don’t play the music yet, because I want to tell a really quick story about Jazz,” Culkin said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
He then revealed a long-running joke between him and Charton about having more children. According to Culkin, a year ago, he had expressed his desire for a third child. Charton, not expecting him to win, had jokingly promised that if he ever won an Oscar, she would give him a third baby.
“Well, turns out she said that because she didn’t think I was going to win,” Culkin quipped, causing the audience to laugh.
But the story didn’t end there. He continued, sharing another part of their conversation from the past:
“After I won the Emmy, we were walking through a parking lot, and she was holding the award when she suddenly remembered her promise. She looked at me and said, ‘Oh god, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid.’”
Culkin then playfully revealed how he upped the stakes: “I turned to her and said, ‘Really, I want four.’ And she—this is 100% true—turned to me and said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar.’”
At this point, the audience burst into laughter and applause, appreciating both the humor and the unexpected personal moment in Culkin’s speech.
“I held my hand out, she shook it, and I have not brought it up once until just now,” he said, turning to his wife in the audience. “You remember that, honey?”
With impeccable comedic timing, he then addressed Charton with a mischievous grin, saying, “So, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith—no pressure. But let’s get cracking on those kids. What do you say? I love you. I love you. I love you.”
His speech received an overwhelmingly positive response, with the audience clapping and laughing at his heartfelt yet amusing storytelling. The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising Culkin’s ability to blend humor and sincerity in such a public setting.
A Family Celebration: Macaulay Culkin’s Reaction
Kieran Culkin’s Oscar victory was also a proud moment for his family. His older brother, Macaulay Culkin, best known for his role in “Home Alone,” was among those celebrating his win. Macaulay, who had also been in the spotlight recently for receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, later shared his emotions about watching his younger brother achieve such a monumental success.
“I knew he was going to win,” Macaulay said in a post-Oscars interview. “I cried when I saw it happen. We’ve been in this industry since we were kids, and to see Kieran get the recognition he deserves—it’s just incredible.”
The Culkin brothers have often spoken about their close bond and their shared experiences growing up as child actors. This historic win added another proud chapter to their journey in Hollywood.
Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton’s Family Life
Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton have been married since 2013 and share two children: a daughter, Kinsey Sioux, born in September 2019, and a son, Wilder Wolf, born in August 2021. Charton, a former model and sound engineer, has been a supportive presence in Culkin’s life and career, frequently accompanying him to industry events.
Following his Oscar speech, fans and media outlets were quick to speculate whether the couple would actually follow through on the humorous agreement about having more kids. While it remains to be seen whether their family will expand further, Culkin’s lighthearted storytelling made it one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
The Legacy of “A Real Pain” and Culkin’s Future
“A Real Pain” has been widely praised for its deep exploration of grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Jesse Eisenberg’s direction and screenplay, combined with Culkin’s standout performance, helped the film gain traction throughout awards season. Critics have noted that Culkin’s portrayal of Benji Kaplan was a career-best, solidifying his status as a versatile and talented actor.
As for what’s next for Kieran Culkin, his Oscar win is likely to open doors to even more diverse and high-profile roles. With an established presence in both television and film, fans eagerly await his next project, whether it be another dramatic role or a return to his comedic roots.
His win at the Academy Awards not only cements his place among Hollywood’s finest actors but also provides a delightful personal milestone—one that might just lead to an expansion of the Culkin-Charton household.
Only time will tell whether Kieran and Jazz will keep their deal, but one thing is certain: his Oscar speech will be remembered as one of the most charming and entertaining moments in recent award show history.
