The fierce sibling rivalry from Succession has found a new stage, as Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong, known for their roles as Roman and Kendall Roy on the hit HBO series, go head-to-head for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards. Culkin earned his nomination for Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, where he plays the volatile cousin Benji, while Strong is recognized for his gripping portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, a controversial Donald Trump biopic.
This isn’t the first time the two have squared off. During Succession's four-season run, they frequently competed at the Emmys, with Strong winning Outstanding Lead Actor in 2020 and Culkin clinching the same award in 2024. Now, they’re vying for an Oscar alongside Yura Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), and Guy Pearce (The Brutalist).
Transformative Performances in Unforgettable Roles
Culkin's role in A Real Pain emerged from an instant connection with the character. Directed and written by Eisenberg, the film tells the story of two cousins reconnecting during a journey to Poland, where they explore their late grandmother's roots. "It’s rare that I read a script and instantly feel I know the character so well," Culkin shared, explaining how the role felt deeply personal.
On the other hand, Strong delved into extensive research to bring Roy Cohn to life in The Apprentice. Opposite Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump, Strong described the process of channeling Cohn as " peering into the heart of darkness." Stan’s performance also earned him a nomination for Best Actor, underscoring the film's resonance.
The Countdown to Oscar Night
As fans eagerly await the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, the Succession actors’ rivalry promises to be one of the night's highlights. Whether it’s Culkin’s raw authenticity or Strong’s meticulous transformation, both have delivered career-defining performances that will surely leave an impression, regardless of the final outcome.
Tune in to see who takes home the gold when the Oscars air live on ABC at 7 p.m. Will it be Roman or Kendall who wins this round? Fans of Succession and cinema alike are in for a dramatic showdown.
