Sebastian Stan Earns First Oscar Nomination

Sebastian Stan has received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in the film 'The Apprentice,' despite the movie's polarizing reception and criticism from Trump himself. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, explores Trump's early career and his relationship with attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong, who also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Trump's legal team attempted to block the film's release, criticizing it as defamatory, but it has been recognized for its humanist approach and strong performances. While the film underperformed at the box office, earning just $1.58 million in its opening weekend, Hollywood has acknowledged Stan's and Strong's nuanced portrayals. The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 2, 2025. Stan's nomination is seen as a validation of his performance amidst a successful year, which also included the film 'A Different Man.'