American actor Jesse Eisenberg has been granted Polish citizenship by President Andrzej Duda, following the release of his Oscar-nominated film A Real Pain, which tells the story of the Jewish community during World War II.
Eisenberg, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, portrays the journey of two American cousins who visit Poland to honour their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor.
The character is inspired by Eisenberg’s own great aunt, who had escaped Poland in 1938.
At the citizenship ceremony, Eisenberg shared, “While filming in Poland and becoming more familiar with the country, I had a realisation.
My family had lived here far longer than they had lived in New York. Tragically, the history ended so painfully.”
He continued, reflecting on the disconnect he felt: “What saddened me was that my family no longer felt any bond with Poland, and it was this feeling that drove me to reconnect with this country.
I hope this ceremony is the beginning of that journey, for me and for my family.”
The idea for A Real Pain emerged after the death of Eisenberg’s great aunt, Doris, who lived to 106 and passed away in 2019.
She had fled Poland in 1938, while other family members who remained were victims of the Holocaust.
President Duda expressed his appreciation, saying, “It’s wonderful to see people from afar acknowledge their roots, recognise their Polish heritage, and choose to reconnect with our country.”
Eisenberg’s film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, while his co-star Kieran Culkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
