Actor Jesse Eisenberg, famous for Hollywood roles, pursues Polish nationality.
Jesse Eisenberg, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like "Zombieland," "Now You See Me," and "The Social Network," has been granted Polish citizenship [1][5]. The decision, made by President Andrzej Duda, follows Eisenberg's application, which was inspired by his deep personal and familial connection to Poland, as well as his emotional and creative experiences while filming his movie "A Real Pain" in the country [1][2][3].
Eisenberg's family hails from the southeastern Polish towns of Lublin and Krasnystaw, and his wife, Anna Strout, has roots in Łódź [2]. The actor has spoken about wanting to deepen his connection to Poland, both for personal reasons and to facilitate more professional work there. He grew up hearing positive stories about the relationships between his Jewish family and the local Polish community in Krasnystaw, although only one family member survived the war and later moved to Szczecin [2].
The memory of his great aunt, who fled Poland for the U.S. in 1938, and the stories of his Jewish family’s experiences during the Holocaust played a significant role in Eisenberg's decision to apply for Polish citizenship [1][2]. He described receiving Polish citizenship as “an honour of a lifetime” and something he had been interested in for two decades [1].
"A Real Pain," Eisenberg's latest film, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 [3]. The film, which stars Eisenberg alongside Kieran Culkin from the series 'Succession,' tells the story of two American cousins traveling to Poland to honour their Holocaust survivor grandmother [4]. The film features scenes shot in various locations in Poland and is a project close to Eisenberg's heart, as it explores themes of identity and heritage [3].
Eisenberg, who has also made a mark as a director and writer, with his directorial debut, "When You Finish Saving the World," premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022 [6], intends to use his platform to foster better understanding and cooperation between Poland and the Jewish community. He hopes that obtaining Polish citizenship will allow his wife and son to spend more time in Poland [1].
Eisenberg's portrayal of characters and storytelling in "A Real Pain" have been praised for their depth and authenticity [7]. His portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network" earned him nominations for an Academy Award and Golden Globes [8].
[1] The New York Times, "Jesse Eisenberg Granted Polish Citizenship," July 2025. [2] The Guardian, "Jesse Eisenberg's Polish Roots Inspire Citizenship Application," June 2024. [3] Variety, "Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain' Premieres at Sundance," January 2024. [4] Deadline, "Kieran Culkin Joins Jesse Eisenberg in 'A Real Pain'," December 2023. [5] BBC News, "President Duda Grants Citizenship to Jesse Eisenberg," July 2025. [6] IndieWire, "Jesse Eisenberg's 'When You Finish Saving the World' Premieres at Sundance," January 2022. [7] The Hollywood Reporter, "Review: Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain' is a Heartfelt Exploration of Identity and Heritage," February 2024. [8] IMDb, "The Social Network."
- Jesse Eisenberg, the acclaimed actor, expressed his enthusiasm about deepening his connection to Poland, not only for personal reasons but also to foster better understanding and cooperation between Poland and the Jewish community.
- Eisenberg's latest film, "A Real Pain," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, with scenes shot in various locations in Poland, reflecting his strong connection to the country.
- The acclaim for Eisenberg's portrayal of characters in "A Real Pain" has been attributed to its depth and authenticity, a feat reminiscent of his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network," which earned him nominations for an Academy Award and Golden Globes.
- In an interview, Eisenberg described receiving Polish citizenship as “an honor of a lifetime” and something he had been interested in for two decades, citing his family's history and his emotional experiences while filming in Poland as key factors in his decision.
