Kieran Culkin, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his standout role in A Real Pain, made headlines not just for his Oscar win but also for his light-hearted and humorous acceptance speech during the 2025 ceremony. The 42-year-old actor, who is already a father of two, playfully hinted at expanding his family with his wife, Jazz Charton, in a speech filled with humor, love, and even some censored language. The moment was both personal and entertaining, showcasing Culkin’s unique personality and his deep appreciation for his loved ones.
Before turning his attention to his family, Culkin took a moment to acknowledge the key figures in his professional life. He gave a special shoutout to his longtime manager and described director Jesse Eisenberg as a “genius,” expressing gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. He also praised his parents for their unwavering encouragement. One of the most memorable parts of his speech, however, was his heartfelt yet expletive-laden compliment to his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, whom he lauded for his incredible performance in The Apprentice. Unfortunately, much of his praise was censored, adding a layer of humor to the moment.
Culkin’s speech took a touching turn when he addressed his wife, Jazz, who was visibly moved in the audience. He began by expressing his love and gratitude for her, calling her the source of everything meaningful in his life. He then proceeded to recount a playful and publicly made promise the couple had shared in the past. During his 2024 Emmy Awards acceptance speech, Culkin had jokingly asked Jazz for a third child, a request he made after she had teased him about it. At the time, he admitted that Jazz had only made the comment because she didn’t believe he would actually win the award, a fact that made the moment even more humorous.
The story continued as Culkin recalled a conversation with Jazz after the Emmys. While walking through the parking lot, Jazz had playfully mentioned that she now “owed” him a third child. Seizing the moment, Culkin had cheekily pushed for even more, asking for four children instead. Jazz, in response, had set a new condition: she would agree to having four kids only if he won an Oscar. Culkin hilariously recounted how he had shaken her hand on the spot, sealing the deal, and had not brought it up since—until his Oscar speech. Cameras captured Jazz’sreaction, showing her laughing and covering her face, clearly embarrassed but also delighted by her husband’s antics.
The speech was not just a celebration of Culkin’s professional achievement but also a testament to his deep love for his family and his ability to find humor in even the most personal moments. He ended his address by lovingly teasing Jazz about her “little faith” in his ability to win the Oscar and expressed his eagerness to start working on having more children. The lighthearted exchange added a warm and relatable touch to the ceremony, making it one of the most memorable acceptance speeches in recent Oscar history.
Kieran Culkin’s Oscars moment was a perfect blend of humor, love, and gratitude, showcasing his personality and the close bond he shares with his wife and children. As the couple, who already shares daughter Kinsey Sioux and son Wilder Wolfe, prepares for this new chapter in their lives, fans and viewers alike couldn’t help but be charmed by Culkin’s heartfelt and entertaining speech. It was a celebration of his career, his family, and the joy of keeping life’s promises—whether made in jest or in earnest.
