Sebastian Stan marked a career-defining moment at the Golden Globes, winning his first award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in A Different Man. The actor delivered a moving acceptance speech, urging society to embrace greater inclusivity and acceptance of disability.
Stan, visibly emotional, thanked writer-director Aaron Schimberg for crafting such a powerful narrative and gave a heartfelt shoutout to his co-star Adam Pearson, who lives with neurofibromatosis—the genetic condition portrayed in the film. In A Different Man, Stan plays an aspiring actor grappling with neurofibromatosis, a role that challenged him to deeply understand the experiences of those living with disabilities.
In his speech, Stan passionately called for progressive storytelling, advocating for the normalization of disability and disfigurement in society. “Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “We must normalize it and expose ourselves—and our children—to these realities. Acceptance starts with understanding, and one way to achieve that is by championing stories that include and amplify these voices.”
Stan’s gratitude extended to his family, and he fought back tears as he spoke about their influence on his journey. “This is for my mom, who left Romania in search of a better life and gave me everything. And to my stepfather Tony, who stepped in for a single mom and a grown-up kid—thank you for being a real man. Golden Globes, I love you.”
In addition to A Different Man, Stan recently starred in The Apprentice, portraying a younger Donald Trump. Reflecting on both roles, he acknowledged how challenging these projects were but emphasized their importance. “These films tackle deep and necessary themes. They’re tough conversations, but they’re the kind we need to have to sensitize people.”
With his win and heartfelt speech, Stan not only celebrated his own achievement but also used the platform to advocate for a more inclusive world—cementing his status as an artist committed to meaningful change.