At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Kieran Culkin emerged victorious for his supporting role in the film A Real Pain. The ceremony, hosted by Kristen Bell and streamed live on Netflix, saw Culkin receive the award from actress Pamela Anderson. In a light-hearted acceptance speech, he humorously remarked on the weight of the trophy and playfully teased Adrien Brody about his lengthy speeches. Culkin also expressed gratitude to Jesse Eisenberg and especially Eisenberg's sister Hallie for casting him in the role. This win followed his recent success at the Independent Spirit Awards, where he also secured an accolade for the same performance.
Culkin's comedic touch was evident throughout his speech. He joked about the heaviness of the award, noting that it would be challenging to hold it for more than a few seconds. Addressing Adrien Brody, Culkin made a humorous reference to the duration of acceptance speeches, clarifying that it was all in good fun. His victory came after being nominated alongside other notable actors like Jonathan Bailey, Yura Borisov, Edward Norton, and Jeremy Strong. Notably, four of these nominees were also recognized for their performances at the 2025 Oscars.
The selection process for this prestigious award involved intense competition. Culkin's nomination was part of a broader field that included roles from films such as Wicked, Anora, A Complete Unknown, and The Apprentice. These films were among the most recognized at the event, with Wicked and Shogun leading the nominations with five each. Other strong contenders included A Complete Unknown with four nominations and Emilia Pérez and Anora with three each. The top prize for best cast was highly contested, with Conclave also in the running.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event highlighted the contributions of several talented performers. Joining Culkin in the winners' circle were Zoe Saldaña, Jean Smart, Jessica Gunning, Colin Farrell, Martin Short, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Anna Sawai. Host Kristen Bell not only managed the evening's proceedings but was also nominated for her role in the comedy series Nobody Wants This.
The evening celebrated the diverse achievements of actors across various categories, culminating in a night filled with recognition and celebration. Culkin's win underscored the significance of his role in A Real Pain and the impact of his performance on both critics and audiences alike. The event marked a memorable moment in his career, highlighting his talent and wit on one of the industry's biggest stages.