Sebastian Stan’s Remarkable Path To The Oscars, How He Really Became A Star

Sebastian Stan has carved a remarkable path in Hollywood, evolving from a supporting background actor to a leading man with an impressive range.

His journey in the entertainment industry reflects dedication, versatility, and an undeniable screen presence that has captivated audiences worldwide.

I always forget this one, but Stan’s early career most notably started with the hit television series Gossip Girl, where he portrayed Carter Baizen. Though his role was relatively minor, it showcased his ability to bring charm and complexity to his characters.

Stan’s career took a monumental turn when he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier. Introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), his character initially played a supporting role to Chris Evans’ Captain America. However, his portrayal gained immense popularity, leading to a deeper exploration of Bucky’s arc in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016). His compelling performance solidified him as a key player in the franchise, allowing him to return for multiple films, including Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Stan will also appear in the May 2, 2025 Marvel movie Thunderbolts, which is about a team of antiheroes, including the Red Guardian and Yelena Belova.

Despite his association with the MCU, Stan actively sought roles that challenged him as an actor. He took on diverse projects, including I, Tonya (2017), where he portrayed Jeff Gillooly, demonstrating his ability to embody morally ambiguous characters. His role in The Devil All the Time (2020) further cemented his talent for playing gritty, nuanced roles outside the MCU world.

Stan’s transformation into a leading man became evident with his performance in Pam & Tommy (2022), where he portrayed Tommy Lee. His dedication to the role, including his physical transformation and deep dive into the rockstar’s persona, earned him widespread acclaim. He continued this trajectory with Sharper (2023) and A Different Man (2024), proving his ability to anchor a film while maintaining depth and complexity in his performances.

Sebastian Stan’s career reached another milestone with his nominations for Best Actor at the 2025 Oscars, recognizing his outstanding performances in The Apprentice (2024). His role in The Apprentice showcased his ability to embody real-life figures, further establishing his reputation as a dynamic and fearless performer.

This nomination cements his place among Hollywood’s most respected actors and highlight his evolution from a supporting character to a formidable leading force in the industry.

We look forward to seeing if Sebastian Stan is able to secure the Oscar nomination win on March 2, 2025.