An invite for Kieran
March 9, 2025 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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Kieran Culkin’s Oscars acceptance speech for “A Real Pain”—a film centred on the Holocaust—made headlines for what it didn’t include: any mention of the Holocaust or antisemitism.
Yuval David
Many Jewish communities around the world were left disappointed, feeling he missed an opportunity to highlight the film’s powerful message about Holocaust remembrance.
Emmy Award-winning actor and Jewish advocate Yuval David has extended a personal invitation to Culkin to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Yuval believes this would give Culkin a deeper understanding of why acknowledging the Holocaust remains vital—especially at a time of rising antisemitism.
Dear Kieran,
First, congratulations on your Oscar win for A Real Pain. Your performance was entertaining and moving — the film itself is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about history, memory, and identity. As an actor, filmmaker, and Jewish leader, I truly appreciate the work you brought to the screen.
That is why I was surprised and disappointed that, in your acceptance speech, there was no mention of antisemitism, anti-Jewish bigotry, the plight of the Jewish people, or the Holocaust—especially given the subject matter of A Real Pain. In a time of rising anti-Jewish hatred and Holocaust denial, voices like yours have an opportunity to make a real impact.
Public figures within the entertainment industry often speak out on important social issues, and this was a moment where that engagement was missed.
Because of this, I would like to personally invite you to join me in a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. It is a powerful and necessary place of learning, reflection, and remembrance. I would be honoured to walk through it with you and discuss how we, as artists and storytellers, can ensure that history is remembered and that antisemitism is actively confronted.
Let me know when you would be available. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Yuval told J-Wire: “Kieran clearly is not an antisemite. However, while profiting off his work in a movie about the Holocaust, the least he could do is call attention to the rise in anti-Jewish racism and bigotry in America.
We are in an era where public figures are expected to comment on world affairs. They also have the power, clout and reach to represent and affect change. This film came out now because it represents a current-day experience.
Maybe Kieran does not know the history or how it applies to the current Jewish experience — I would be more than happy to walk him through the museum, as an advocate who is Jewish, American, Israeli, and a grandchild of Holocaust survivors and heroes.”
Yuval is planning a private tour with no media participation.
