Yuval David has invited A Real Pain‘s Oscar-winning actor Kieran Culkin to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum when his schedule allows.

Kieran Culkin had a moment to use his speech to touch on antisemitism and the Holocaust and failed to do so. It wasn’t a surprise after watching his SAG Awards speech a week earlier. As I said the other day in my live-running commentary during the Oscars, it was an epic fail to not mention them. Neither A Real Pain or his Oscar win would exist without antisemitism or the Holocaust. The fact that he chose to ignore either is especially disappointing at a time when antisemitism is at its worst levels since the Holocaust.

Whether Kieran Culkin will take up the actor on the invitation remains to be seen.

Yuval David’s full letter to Kieran Culkin is below:

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 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 honored 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.

Best,
Yuval David

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