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Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong Compete for Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Oscars
Jan
Former Succession co-stars Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong are facing off again, this time for Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Academy Awards. Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain and Strong’s role in The Apprentice have earned them nominations in a competitive category, marking their first major film projects since their Emmy-winning turns on the hit HBO series.
This article explores their respective films, their standout performances, and how their Succession rivalry translates to the Oscars.
From Emmy Winners to Oscar Nominees
During Succession’s four-season run, Culkin and Strong frequently competed in the same acting categories, with Strong winning Outstanding Lead Actor in 2020 and Culkin claiming the title in 2024. The show’s exploration of power dynamics and family conflict provided the perfect platform for their talents, creating memorable characters in Kendall Roy (Strong) and Roman Roy (Culkin).
Their transition to film has been seamless, with both actors embracing challenging and diverse roles. This year’s Oscar nominations reflect their versatility and the breadth of their talent beyond television.
Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain
Culkin stars alongside Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain, a poignant film about two estranged cousins reconnecting during a journey to their late grandmother’s hometown in Poland. Written and directed by Eisenberg, the movie combines humor and emotional depth, giving Culkin the opportunity to showcase his signature blend of wit and vulnerability.
Culkin has described his connection to the character as instantaneous, noting how Eisenberg’s script resonated deeply with him. Critics have praised his nuanced portrayal, which balances humor with the underlying pain of family loss and reconciliation.
Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice
Strong delivers a gripping performance as Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, a controversial biopic centered on Donald Trump’s early career. Directed by James Gray, the film explores Trump’s mentorship under Cohn, a notorious political figure. Strong’s portrayal captures the manipulative charm and underlying complexity of Cohn, making him a standout in a polarizing story.
Known for his immersive acting style, Strong reportedly delved deeply into the role, embodying Cohn’s personality with remarkable precision. His ability to humanize such a contentious figure has earned widespread acclaim.
The Competition and Their Legacy
Culkin and Strong are up against formidable contenders in the Best Supporting Actor category, including Yura Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), and Guy Pearce (The Brutalist). Both actors bring unique strengths to their respective roles, making this year’s Oscars one of the most exciting yet.
Their nominations also highlight the lasting impact of Succession, proving that the show not only shaped their careers but also prepared them for success on the big screen.
A Bright Future Beyond Succession
Regardless of the outcome, Culkin and Strong’s Oscar nominations signal the beginning of exciting new chapters in their careers. Their performances in A Real Pain and The Apprentice showcase their range and cement their status as two of Hollywood’s most compelling actors.
In conclusion, the friendly rivalry between Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong continues to captivate audiences, this time on the grand stage of the Academy Awards. Their work serves as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of Succession.
From thedragonfashion