On Sunday, Kieran Culkin, the acclaimed actor and recent Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor, made headlines not just for his win but for a humorous and heartfelt speech that hinted at expanding his family. Culkin, who has been married to Jazz Charton since 2013, used his acceptance speech to playfully propose having more children. His remarks, filled with humor and censored expletives, drew laughter and applause from the audience. The 42-year-old star also took time to thank his manager, director Jesse Eisenberg, and fellow nominee Jeremy Strong, whose work he praised in a mostly censored manner. Culkin referenced his previous Emmy Awards speech where he had publicly expressed a desire for another child, revealing that his wife's initial promise was made under the assumption he wouldn't win. Now, with an Oscar in hand, Culkin is once again asking for more children, much to the amusement of those watching.
Culkin's journey to this moment began long before he stepped onto the stage at the Oscars. Known for his roles in both film and television, including his part in the hit show "Succession," Culkin has established himself as a versatile talent. During his acceptance speech, he reflected on past experiences, particularly referencing his 2024 Emmy Awards victory. At that time, he had publicly declared his wish for a third child, a statement that initially annoyed his wife, Jazz Charton. However, it led to an unexpected twist when Charton admitted she would indeed owe him a third child after all. Culkin didn't stop there; he even jokingly suggested expanding their family to four children if he were to win an Oscar. With this latest win, Culkin found himself revisiting the topic, asking his wife once again about their plans to grow their family.
In a candid moment during his speech, Culkin shared a story about walking through the parking lot after the Emmy Awards. Holding the award, Charton realized her offhand comment about having more children might now come true. Culkin seized the opportunity to ask for not just one more child but potentially up to four. He recounted how Charton responded with a playful challenge: "I will give you four when you win an Oscar." Fast forward to the Oscars, and Culkin found himself in the perfect position to revisit this promise. As cameras captured Charton laughing and covering her face in the audience, Culkin enthusiastically asked, "Let's get cracking on those kids?" Despite the public nature of these declarations, Culkin assured everyone that he hadn't brought up the topic until that very moment, adding a touch of humor and sincerity to his speech.
The couple, who already share two children, Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolfe, seemed to embrace the lighthearted nature of Culkin's proposal. While the audience chuckled at his words, it was clear that Culkin's love for his family and his gratitude for his achievements shone through. By blending humor with genuine emotion, Culkin managed to create a memorable moment that resonated with viewers and highlighted the joy and unpredictability of life's milestones. His speech served as a reminder that success can bring unexpected opportunities and that sometimes, the best moments are those we least expect.
The conclusion of the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis has left coaches, executives, and scouts with a wealth of information to digest. Beyond physical measurements and drill results, interviews and informal exchanges have provided deeper insights into the prospects' character and potential.
One of the most discussed topics was the comparison between two top quarterback prospects, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. Opinions varied widely on their readiness for the NFL. While some evaluators praised Sanders for his sharp throwing skills and confident demeanor, likening him to a modern-day Tom Brady, others favored Ward’s leadership qualities and consistency across multiple college programs. An NFC executive highlighted Ward’s exceptional personality and leadership, believing these traits would help him refine any minor technical issues. Conversely, an assistant coach saw both quarterbacks as viable starters, emphasizing Sanders’ toughness and ability to play to his strengths.
In addition to quarterbacks, concerns about Abdul Carter's medical status raised questions about his draft position. Despite a stress reaction in his right foot, doctors confirmed that Carter wouldn’t need surgery and could still participate in workouts. A talent evaluator suggested that Carter’s potential long-term value outweighs any short-term setbacks, especially for teams drafting early who can afford to ease him into the lineup. This perspective underscores the importance of projecting a player’s four-year impact rather than focusing solely on immediate contributions.
The versatility of Travis Hunter, a receiver and defensive back from Colorado, sparked debate among evaluators. Some believed his dual-role potential justified a high draft pick, while others argued he should focus on one position. An AFC evaluator suggested that if Hunter were to play both sides, he should primarily be a cornerback with limited offensive snaps. The complexity of game planning and film study at the pro level made it unlikely for him to excel in both roles simultaneously. However, there was consensus on his extraordinary talent, with one executive noting that such duality is extremely rare.
The running back market also presented unexpected nuances. While Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton were projected to be drafted in the first round, opinions diverged on their relative strengths. Jeanty’s explosiveness and balance impressed some, but his size raised concerns. Hampton, meanwhile, was compared favorably to Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb for his tenacity and agility. Another name worth watching is Georgia’s Trevor Etienne, whose well-rounded skill set, despite his smaller stature, earned praise from evaluators.
Finally, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe emerged as a quarterback prospect with immense upside. Though his raw passing skills are inconsistent, his athletic prowess makes him a valuable asset. One executive likened him to Taysom Hill on steroids, suggesting he could contribute in various ways beyond quarterbacking. The key to maximizing Milroe’s potential lies in patience and a structured development plan, much like cooking a meal that requires careful timing and attention.
The NFL scouting combine not only showcases physical talents but also provides invaluable insights into the character and adaptability of future stars. As teams weigh their options, the emphasis on long-term potential and versatile skill sets will guide their decisions, ensuring they invest wisely in the next generation of football talent.
Asian stock markets began the week on a positive note, driven by improved Chinese factory data and a rebound on Wall Street. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong climbed 1.2%, while Shanghai's Composite index saw a modest gain of 0.3%. Notably, the Chinese bubble tea chain Mixue Bingcheng experienced a significant boost after its IPO, with shares surging by 40%. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.4%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.6%. However, Taiwan and Bangkok saw declines in their respective indices. This optimism comes amid signs of improvement in China’s manufacturing sector, which may be influenced by companies accelerating production to avoid anticipated tariff hikes.
The week commenced with a surge in investor confidence across Asia, fueled by encouraging economic indicators from China. The Chinese factory data revealed an uptick in new orders, suggesting that businesses are ramping up production ahead of potential export tariffs. This proactive approach has likely contributed to the overall market sentiment. In Hong Kong, the success of Mixue Bingcheng’s IPO set a record for subscriptions, reflecting strong investor interest in consumer-driven sectors. The company's performance underscores the growing appetite for brands with robust domestic appeal.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225's gains were supported by broader improvements in global trade outlooks. Despite South Korea's markets being closed for a holiday, the region's financial activity remained buoyant. The Australian market also benefited from this positive trend, with the S&P/ASX 200 showing steady growth. Conversely, Taiwan's Taiex and Thailand's SET faced downward pressure, highlighting regional disparities in market performance. These fluctuations underscore the complex dynamics at play in Asian economies, where external factors like U.S. trade policies can significantly impact local markets.
While the immediate outlook appears promising, concerns remain about the long-term effects of tariffs and other economic policies. Investors are cautiously optimistic, hoping that negotiations between the U.S. and China will lead to more favorable trade terms. The recent cooling of inflation, as indicated by U.S. economic reports, provides some relief but does not fully address underlying issues such as consumer spending trends. As the global economy navigates these uncertainties, the focus will remain on how policymakers respond to emerging challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current momentum can be sustained.