Sebastian Stan Proves Critics Wrong, Wins Big for Controversial Trump Biopic

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It appears that Sebastian Stan‘s portrayal in “The Apprentice” is finally receiving the acknowledgement it has long deserved. Following two outstanding performances in 2024, one in A24’s “A Different Man”, Stan has garnered multiple award nominations for his role in Ali Abbasi’s biopic. These accolades include a Best Actor nomination at the 2025 Oscars – an unexpected twist given that the film initially seemed destined to not be released, and a surprising achievement for Stan, who had previously been told that he wouldn’t receive any recognition for “The Apprentice”.

I’ve been making waves during this awards season, but let me tell you, it hasn’t been a smooth ride for me as an actor. The journey to get the Donald Trump biopic distributed has been quite public and challenging, with numerous obstacles along the way. Moreover, there were legal hurdles that almost prevented the film from hitting the screens. To make matters worse, I was unfortunately unable to participate in Variety’s Actors on Actors series due to other actors’ representatives not wanting their clients to discuss the contentious president during our interactions.

During a recent appearance at Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards, Sebastian Stan shared his thoughts on being nominated for Best Actor at the 2025 Academy Awards for his performance in The Apprentice. Reflecting on the experience, he reminisced about the struggles to get the film released and the skepticism regarding his chances of winning an award.

We are profoundly thankful to have received such recognition. It wasn’t easy after that. You wouldn’t have known. There was so much uncertainty. Nothing seemed certain. I heard people say, ‘You won’t win anything for this.’ But I replied, ‘Winning isn’t always the point.’ It just felt significant.

‘The Apprentice’ Is a Trying Film for Trying Times

Since “The Apprentice” came out during a presidential election year, it’s understandable why the movie faced strong opposition and stirred up controversy. The main character, Stan, was daring enough to embark on this project, even though the subject matter was sensitive in today’s society. With this recent Oscar nomination, more people might get to watch the film, as Stan aims for it to offer a fresh perspective on the movie and the challenging times we currently find ourselves in.

After watching the film, it opens up an opportunity for more individuals to delve into its depths and attempt to comprehend its messages. It’s crucial that we do understand, for this is not a time to be indifferent or ignore the situation, hoping it will pass. Instead, we are immersed in a world where influential figures dictate our thoughts and emotions, while disagreements escalate when perspectives diverge.

This movie, in my view, showcases the bravery of forming one’s own opinion and having the courage to express it. That’s why I appreciate it so much.

2024 was a standout year for Sebastian Stan, earning an Oscar nomination for his role in “The Apprentice” and garnering critical acclaim and awards for “A Different Man,” produced by A24. This demonstrates the actor’s versatility beyond Marvel Studios films, but it doesn’t signal the end of that part of his career – he will also feature in the upcoming ensemble superhero film “Thunderbolts,” scheduled for release this summer.

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2025-02-12 19:31