Kieran Culkin includes gum-spitting, bathroom jokes, and Ariana Grande shoutouts in NBR Gala speech

Kieran Culkin’s antics during his Best Supporting Actor speech at the NBR Awards became the highlight of the night.

Awards season delivered another unforgettable moment at the National Board of Review Gala, where Kieran Culkin turned his acceptance speech into a comedic highlight. The Succession star, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, left the star-studded audience laughing with his unscripted and free-spirited remarks.

During his speech, Culkin addressed the crowd with characteristic humor, noting, “The bathroom attendant, that shouldn’t exist anymore,” in a jab at the old-school New York gala vibe. However, it was his impromptu interaction with Jesse Eisenberg that truly stole the spotlight. Mid-speech, Culkin unapologetically spit out his gum and handed it to Eisenberg, quipping about his bad breath.

Kieran Culkin hilariously spits out his gum mid-speech and gives it to Jesse Eisenberg at the NBR Awards:

“I was talking to Ariana. I was singing her praises about how great she was on ‘Wicked’ and I was talking to her I have the worst breath.” pic.twitter.com/7cppaO1qdb

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 8, 2025

“I was talking to Ariana,” Culkin explained. “I was singing her praises about how great she was on Wicked and I was talking to her—I have the worst breath.” The candid moment showcased Culkin’s trademark charm and ability to turn even an awards speech into an unexpected comedy routine.

The NBR Gala, hosted by Willie Geist, celebrated some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Nicole Kidman, Mikey Madison, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. While many nominees used the evening to share the acceptance speeches they couldn’t deliver at the 2025 Golden Globes, Culkin’s offbeat approach became the talk of the night.