The acclaimed actor secured his first Academy Award over the weekend. During his acceptance speech, he acknowledged his wife’s unwavering support and shared insights into their past discussions about winning such an honor.
Kieran Culkin’s wife, Jazz Charton, made an unexpected promise if he ever won an Oscar. He revealed the details of her pledge during his acceptance speech at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton attend the 97th Annual Oscars on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Overwhelmed with disbelief, Culkin took the stage to accept his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Real Pain,” directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars in the film.
Reflecting on his journey, the award-winning star admitted that he had no idea how he reached this point, explaining that acting had always been a part of his life. For him, it never felt like this was his trajectory.
Kieran Culkin during his acceptance speech at the 97th Annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his surprise, he acknowledged that reaching this moment was made possible by the support of his manager, who has guided him for 30 years. After thanking his longtime manager and Eisenberg, Culkin shifted the focus to his wife, Jazz Charton, expressing his deep love for her.
He then recalled, “About a year ago I was on a stage like this and I very stupidly publicly said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award she would give me the kid.”
Jazz Charton and Kieran Culkin at the 97th Annual Oscars on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to the celebrity, Charton never expected him to win and only made the offer in jest. After the show, as they walked through the parking lot, she recalled her words and admitted, “‘I guess I owe you a third kid.'”
Culkin responded by pushing the idea further, “‘Really, I want four.'” To that, Charton countered, “‘I will give you four if you win an Oscar.'” The couple sealed the deal with a handshake, and Culkin noted that he never mentioned it again — until now, with an Academy Award in hand.
Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton attend the 97th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The “Succession” alum then brought the conversation full circle, addressing his wife directly from the stage with a mix of humor and sincerity. Culkin told Charton there was no pressure before jokingly apologizing for winning again.
He then suggested they should “get cracking on those kids” and asked what she thought. As the camera turned to Charton, she could be seen shaking her head and saying no twice as the audience applauded.
Culkin first crossed paths with Charton at a New York bar in 2012, where he introduced himself and quickly shared his thoughts on her name. In an interview, he shared that after learning her name was Jazz, he responded, “Well, that’s [expletive] stupid.”
Rather than taking offense, Charton, who was born in London, found his remark amusing. The connection was instant, and by June 2013, they were married.
Their bond quickly grew into a lasting partnership, and years later, they built a family together. Culkin and Charton share two children. They welcomed their daughter, Kinsey Sioux, in September 2019, followed by their son, Wolf Wilder, in August 2021.
Kieran Culkin’s Oscar win was not only a career milestone but also a moment that brought a personal promise back into the spotlight. With his signature humor and heartfelt gratitude, he celebrated the achievement while playfully reminding his wife of their lighthearted agreement.
