Kieran Culkin’s acceptance speech at the 2025 Academy Awards was met with overwhelming praise after the actor humorously referenced a bet with his wife about growing their family. In a rare moment for Hollywood, Culkin’s remarks celebrated marriage, fatherhood, and the joy of having children—prompting many to call it one of the most refreshingly pro-family speeches in recent Oscars history.
Culkin, who took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain, used his time on stage to share an endearing story about a promise his wife, Jazz Charton, had made to him. As he told the audience, Charton jokingly agreed to have a fourth child if he ever won an Oscar. To her surprise and the delight of the audience, that day had come.
“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,” Culkin recalled. “It turns out she said that because she didn’t think I was gonna win, but then people came up to her and were like, really annoying her, I think. I think it got to her.”
He then continued with the charming twist, saying, “She goes, ‘Oh God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid,’ and I turned to her, and I said, ‘Really, I want four.’ And she turned to me. I swear to God this happened; it was just over a year ago, and she said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar.’ I held my hand out, she shook it, and I have not brought it up once until just now.”
Culkin ended his speech with a heartfelt and humorous plea to his wife: “I just have this to say to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith. No pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. And let’s get crackin’ on those kids. What do you say? I love you!”
Oh goodness I missed the Oscars last night, so I missed this, but it’s sweet and adorable, funny & relatable; and as the grandmother of four I’m guessing there’s a couple grandmas in that family going “YES!!!” https://t.co/NCE1QboIHX
— ZitoSalena (@ZitoSalena) March 3, 2025
Unlike the more politically charged speeches that often dominate awards shows, Culkin’s words struck a different chord. Many praised the Succession star for embracing family values and publicly celebrating the blessing of children—a sentiment rarely heard in today’s entertainment industry.
Megan Basham of The Daily Wire applauded the moment, tweeting, “If we return to a Hollywood where men use their acceptance speeches to joke with their wives about having more babies instead of women using theirs to praise abortion for their success, Hollywood could be great again.” Her comment was seen as a contrast to actress Michelle Williams’ controversial 2020 Golden Globes speech, in which Williams credited abortion rights for allowing her to achieve success.
Podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey shared similar sentiments, posting, “It’s refreshingly sweet to see an actor unapologetically enthusiastic about having more kids with his wife.”
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk also chimed in, writing on X, “This is the most pro-family acceptance speech you’ll hear from Hollywood.”
Colorado talk radio host Mandy Connell described Culkin’s words as “charming and funny,” adding that “you can feel the love.” Meanwhile, Outkick’s Clay Travis simply called the moment “pretty great.”
Culkin’s speech stood out in an industry that was often criticized for promoting individualism over family life. In an era where many celebrities use their platforms to push political messages, his lighthearted yet sincere appreciation of marriage and fatherhood was a breath of fresh air.
While Hollywood has long been a space where alternative family structures and progressive values are championed, Culkin’s speech reminded audiences of the simple beauty of love, commitment, and the joy of raising children. His remarks resonated with many Christians and pro-family advocates who believe that strong marriages and families are the foundation of a healthy society.
As Culkin and Charton prepare for their potential fourth child, fans and supporters alike are celebrating not just his Oscar win but his winning attitude toward family life. Perhaps his speech will inspire others in Hollywood to celebrate the blessings of marriage and parenthood with the same enthusiasm.
And as for Charton? Her reaction—laughing, covering her mouth, and nodding in agreement—suggests that Culkin just might get his wish.