Kieran Culkin Named Breakthrough Performer By Palm Springs Int'l FF

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs International Film Festival is awarding Kieran Culkin with a Breakthrough Performer Award, organizers announced Wednesday.

Culkin will be honored at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 3 for his standout performance as Benji in Jesse Eisenberg's dramedy "A Real Pain." The film follows two American cousins with contrasting personalities on a trip to Poland to learn more about their heritage and visit their grandmother's former house.

Culkin's role recently earned him a Gotham Award nomination and recognition as one of eight Virtuoso Award honorees at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, "A Real Pain" won a screenwriting award and ignited a bidding war among distributors. Searchlight Pictures ultimately acquired the movie, which opened in U.S. theaters on Nov. 1.

"Culkin brings remarkable depth to his character, a free spirit whose charm captivates a small tour group, yet who wrestles with the emotions of family loss and a sense of an unfulfilled life," festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi said in a statement.

The film also features Jennifer Grey and Will Sharpe. Eisenberg is credited as the sole writer and serves as one of the producers alongside Emma Stone and Dave McCary.

Culkin's widely praised portrayal of Benji, which the New York Times called "outstanding," adds to his recent string of award-worthy performances. He won an Emmy for his role as Roman Roy in the final season of "Succession," following nominations in 2020 and 2022.

Additionally, Culkin is set to join Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr in a Broadway revival of "Glengarry Glen Ross," taking on the same role that earned Al Pacino an Oscar nomination for the 1992 film adaptation.

Culkin's film resume started when he was 8 years old, including appearances in "Home Alone" and "Father of the Bride." He then went on to appear in movies such as "The Cider House Rules," "Igby Goes Down," "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World," "Wiener-Dog," and "No Sudden Move."

The former child actor joins Angelina Jolie (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress), Nicole Kidman (International Star Award), Adrien Brody (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), the cast of "Conclave" (Ensemble Performance Award), Mikey Madison (Breakthrough Performance Award), Colman Domingo (Spotlight Award, Actor) and the cast and director of Netflix's "Emilia Pérez" (Vanguard Award) as announced honors recipients at PSIFF 2025, as of Tuesday.

Austin Butler, Rami Malek, Mahershala Ali, David Oyelowo and Jeremy Renner are all previous recipients of the PSIFF designation, with Malek ("Bohemian Rhapsody") and Ali ("Moonlight") also winning Academy Awards in the same year.

After the ceremony on PSIFF 2025's second day, the film festival will continue through Jan. 13.