Jesse Eisenberg Embraces His Heritage with Polish Citizenship

Jesse Eisenberg receives Polish citizenship, honoring his ancestry and the legacy of Holocaust survivors through his Oscar-winning film, A Real Pain.

In a heartfelt ceremony, US actor Jesse Eisenberg was granted Polish citizenship by President Andrzej Duda, a moment underscored by the personal narrative of his family history explored in his recent Oscar-winning film, A Real Pain. The film delves into the Jewish experience during World War Two as it follows two American cousins who journey to Poland to commemorate their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, inspired by Eisenberg's real-life great aunt.

Reflecting on his time spent filming in Poland, Eisenberg expressed a deep sense of connection to the land where his ancestors once lived, emphasizing how much longer his family resided in Poland than they have in their current home of New York. "While we were filming this movie in Poland, something so obvious occurred to me," he stated. "My family had lived in this place for far longer."

He poignantly highlighted the emotional weight of this history, noting that it was not just the past tragedies that affected his family, but also the disconnection they felt from Poland over the years. "I really hope that tonight in this ceremony and this amazing honour is the first step of me reconnecting to this beautiful country," he shared, revealing a sense of purpose in rediscovering his roots.

The inspiration to create A Real Pain stemmed from the loss of his great aunt Doris, who passed away at the age of 106 in 2019. Doris had fled Poland in 1938, while many of her relatives who remained did not survive the tumultuous era of the Holocaust.

President Duda commended Eisenberg's commitment to reconnecting with his heritage, stating that it is heartwarming to see individuals from afar embrace their ancestors' roots in Poland. Notably, Eisenberg himself was nominated for an Oscar for writing the film, while his co-star Kieran Culkin took home the award for best supporting actor, further solidifying the film’s impact.