LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has taken on two transformative roles in 2024 that have placed him at the center of this year’s Oscar conversation. In “A Different Man,” Stan portrays Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a life-altering transformation, while in “The Apprentice,” he plays a young Donald Trump, navigating the future president’s rise in the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite the critical acclaim for both performances, Stan remains a longshot for an Academy Award nomination. The dual roles, while showcasing his versatility, may have split voter attention, leaving him in a precarious position as nominations are announced.
In “A Different Man,” Stan’s character Edward undergoes a miraculous medical procedure that removes his tumors, allowing him to reinvent himself as “Guy.” The film, which recently debuted on Max, has been praised for its surreal, Kaufman-esque narrative and Stan’s ability to convey the emotional turmoil of a man grappling with identity and self-acceptance.
“The Apprentice,” on the other hand, delves into the formative years of Donald Trump, with Stan embodying the future president’s transformation under the influence of attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. The film, which faced studio resistance due to fears of Trump reprisal, has been noted for its unflinching portrayal of Trump’s rise and Stan’s nuanced performance.
Stan’s work in both films challenges traditional awards narratives about what constitutes good acting. In “A Different Man,” he begins the film under heavy prosthetics, only to spend much of the movie as his conventionally handsome self, exploring the discomfort of living in someone else’s skin. In “The Apprentice,” his portrayal of Trump strips away the familiar bluster to reveal the man beneath, without offering empathy or redemption.
Meanwhile, Maria Bakalova, who plays Ivana Trump in “The Apprentice,” has also garnered attention for her performance. Bakalova, known for her Oscar-nominated role in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” brought a fierce determination to her portrayal of Ivana, particularly in scenes depicting her confrontations with Donald and Roy Cohn.
Bakalova’s preparation for the role included adopting Ivana’s signature style, from her hair and makeup to her long nails, which she says helped her embody the character’s femininity and strength. Her performance in a pivotal rape scene, which required careful handling and multiple rehearsals, has been praised for its sensitivity and depth.
As the awards season unfolds, both Stan and Bakalova’s performances in “The Apprentice” and “A Different Man” continue to spark debate about the nature of transformative acting and the challenges of portraying real-life figures on screen.
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