Jeremy Strong’s reaction to losing the Best Supporting Actor award to Succession co-star Kieran Culkin at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, became a talking point among viewers. While some initially interpreted his expression as disappointment, further context revealed an emotional night for the actor.
Both Strong and Culkin, who played Kendall and Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, were nominated in the category—Strong for his role as Roy Cohn in The Apprentice and Culkin for A Real Pain.
not to be parasocial on main but seeing jeremy strong tear up inexplicably makes me tear up too pic.twitter.com/WpoNPVw2ZN
— florence (@chercourr) March 3, 2025
it's actually kind of beautiful to see someone so completely genuine and earnest amongst all the fakeness of hollywood, jeremy strong i love your love for your craft so dearly pic.twitter.com/85OQxIRASr
— florence (@chercourr) March 3, 2025
Culkin, who had already secured a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for his performance, took home the Oscar and gave a heartfelt shoutout to Strong in his acceptance speech. “Jeremy, you're amazing in The Apprentice,” he said before adding, “I’m not supposed to single anyone out—it’s favouritism—but you were great.”
Although some perceived his reaction as indifferent, Strong had already been emotional throughout the night, reflecting on his journey to the Oscars. ABC presenters showed him a 1993 photo of himself as a child watching the Oscars from the bleachers, a moment that visibly moved him. “That makes me emotional,” Strong admitted, calling his presence at the ceremony a “dream come true.”
Robert Downey Jr., who presented the Best Supporting Actor award, also acknowledged Strong’s journey. “I watched him come from sleeping in the bleachers outside the Oscars to his blistering portrayal of Roy Cohn,” Downey Jr. said, praising Strong’s dedication to acting.
Despite speculation, Strong and Culkin’s embrace after the ceremony reinforced their mutual respect, putting any rumored rivalry to rest.
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