Jesse Eisenberg Receives Polish Citizenship in Heartfelt Ceremony

In a poignant ceremony, Jesse Eisenberg received Polish citizenship from President Andrzej Duda, reflecting on his family history and the tragic legacy of the Holocaust through his Oscar-winning film, *A Real Pain*.

US actor Jesse Eisenberg has officially become a Polish citizen, a move that has been warmly received by President Andrzej Duda. This honor stems from Eisenberg's recent work, which centers on the Jewish experience during World War Two, notably his film *A Real Pain*. In this project, Eisenberg not only stars but also takes on directing duties, telling the heartfelt story of two American cousins who journey to Poland to pay tribute to their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, based on Eisenberg’s own great aunt.

During the citizenship presentation, Eisenberg reflected on his experiences filming in Poland, sharing, "While we were filming this movie in Poland...my family had lived in this place for far longer than we lived in New York." This revelation, coupled with the heartbreaking history of his family during the war, ignited his desire to reconnect with a homeland that has shaped his lineage. The actor poignantly expressed, “...the tragedy that my family didn't feel any connection anymore to Poland...I really wanted to try to reconnect as much as possible.”

The film, which was inspired by the passing of his great aunt Doris, who lived to be 106 and fled Poland in 1938, has been received critically, scoring Eisenberg an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Kieran Culkin, who plays Eisenberg’s on-screen cousin, earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

President Duda celebrated Eisenberg’s commitment to reconnecting with his roots, remarking on the significance of individuals recognizing their heritage while forging new ties to Poland. The actress's journey highlights the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the ongoing importance of cultural reconnection in shaping identity.