Emmy-nominated actor, Sebastian Stan, best known for his standout performances in films and TV shows such as “I, Tonya”, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, “Pam & Tommy”, and “Kings”, is pushing the boundaries of his acting career with two powerful new films: “A Different Man” and “The Apprentice” releasing this year.
His performances in both have garnered critical acclaim, and the question now looms—could Stan be on his way to receiving double Oscar nominations in the same year at the Academy Awards in 2025?
This year is arguably shaping up to be the most significant year of Stan’s career. Both his films have made their way through the film festival circuit to rave reviews, with “A Different Man” premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and “The Apprentice” making a big splash at Cannes. These projects not only highlight Stan’s impressive range but also showcase his willingness to take on bold and challenging roles.
Sebastian Stan pulls double duty as the executive producer and lead actor of “A Different Man”, which first premiered at Sundance in January, the film has established Stan as a serious Oscar contender. The film tells the story of Edward, an aspiring actor who undergoes a radical medical procedure to cure his neurofibromatosis, a condition that leaves him disfigured. After the surgery, Edward’s life spirals into obsession and self-destruction when he loses a coveted acting role and becomes fixated on reclaiming his former identity.
Courtesy of A24
Stan’s portrayal of Edward has been praised for its depth and complexity. The role required him to wear heavy facial prosthetics and embody a character whose identity is in constant flux. From the physical transformation to the emotional upheaval, Stan delivers a nuanced performance that captures Edward’s internal struggle with desire, confusion, and self-acceptance. Critics have hailed his performance as “extraordinary,” noting his ability to balance poignancy with moments of “creepiness” and absurdity. His work in “A Different Man” earned him the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival, cementing his place in this year’s award season conversation. “A good film will change what you think for a couple of days, but a great film will change how you think for the rest of your life. We’re certainly trying, at least, to be in the great film business.” Said Stan when talking about the film.
Stan’s second possible Oscar contender, “The Apprentice”, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation. In the film, Stan transforms into a young Donald Trump, portraying the real estate mogul during his rise to power in the 1970s. The physical and psychological transformation Stan underwent for this role was nothing short of remarkable. From mimicking Trump’s distinct speech patterns to capturing his mannerisms, his performance is one of the most talked-about aspects of the film. “I had 130 videos on his physicality on my phone, and 562 videos that I had pulled with pictures from different time periods — from the ’70s all the way to today — so I could pull out his speech patterns and try to improvise like him.” Said Stan.
Courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment
Stan’s ability to step into the shoes of this huge figure has earned him widespread praise from critics and fans. His portrayal has been called “eerily accurate,” and many believe this performance could secure him a second Oscar nomination, a rare feat in Hollywood. “The Apprentice” was also screened at the Telluride Film Festival, where it continued to generate buzz ahead of its October 11th nationwide release.
Throughout his career, Stan has demonstrated a commitment to choosing unique and challenging roles. Stan has the ability to transcends genres as he has proven over the years. From his work in indie dramas, to the MCU, to TV shows, thrillers and romantic dramas, he’s never been one to shy away from risk. In discussing his career trajectory, Stan once said, “A few years ago, I just decided to be a little bit more aggressive about finding specific work that was interesting and different, and kind of challenging for me than what I was getting to do.” This strategy has certainly paid off.
With two highly anticipated films in 2024, as well as a new Marvel project, “Thunderbolts” coming up in 2025, Stan continues to showcase his incredible range and transformative abilities, setting the stage for what could be one of the most significant moments in his career. A dual Oscar nomination would place him in a rarefied class of actors, solidifying his position as one of Hollywood’s finest talents.
As “A Different Man” and “The Apprentice” head toward their wide releases in October, the buzz surrounding Stan’s performances is only intensifying. Both films are not only high-profile projects with rich, complex characters but also represent a critical turning point in Stan’s career as he continues to evolve as an actor.
While it remains to be seen how the Academy will respond, one thing is clear: Sebastian Stan is having a banner year, and the conversation about his potential Oscar nominations is far from over.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
