US actor Jesse Eisenberg has officially become a Polish citizen, a decision inspired by his desire to reconnect with his family's roots. President Andrzej Duda presented the citizenship to Eisenberg, who recently directed, wrote, and starred in the Oscar-winning film "A Real Pain." This film recounts the impact of WWII on the Jewish community, particularly through the lens of his family story.
During the ceremony, Eisenberg expressed that while filming, he felt a deep connection to Poland—home to his ancestors before they immigrated to the U.S. He noted the dual tragedy of their history: the past loss during the Holocaust and his family's disconnection from their heritage. Eisenberg hopes this honor marks the beginning of his family's reconnection to Poland.
The film "A Real Pain" was influenced by the passing of his great aunt Doris in 2019, who lived to be 106 years old. She had escaped Poland in 1938, while other family members perished during the Holocaust. President Duda welcomed Eisenberg, highlighting the importance of recognizing Polish heritage globally. Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for his writing, while co-star Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor.
