The 2025 Oscar nominations were announced with a bang, and Hollywood isn’t holding back. It’s clear: Hollywood is taking a direct swipe at President Trump. Sebastian Stan, best known for his role in The Apprentice, has received a Best Actor nomination, and the timing couldn’t be more controversial.
The Apprentice: A bold look at Trump’s early years
The Apprentice is a raw and unapologetic film that delves deep into Donald Trump’s early career in 1970s New York. It explores his relationship with his mentor, who taught him the ruthless mentality that would define his future. The film is bold, controversial, and especially relevant now, with Trump back in the Oval Office.
At the time of production, no major studio wanted to touch the film. It was considered too politically sensitive. The Apprentice had a limited release in the U.S. before the 2024 election, stirring up debates on its portrayal of the former president. The film even includes a scene depicting Trump’s troubled relationship with his ex-wife Ivana. While she later distanced herself from rape accusations made during their divorce in 1990, the controversy still looms large. Trump strongly denies the allegations, making the film’s content all the more provocative.
Sebastian Stan slams Trump
Sebastian Stan, who portrays young Trump in the film, didn’t hold back in a recent interview. He described Trump as a “paranoid, scared little man” who doesn’t care about the public, only about his own ambitions. This was his strongest criticism since The Apprentice debuted at Cannes in May. The actor took aim at Trump’s refusal to acknowledge facts, suggesting that the public’s denial of reality is what’s truly dangerous.
During the interview, Stan made it clear that people have the right to know the truth. He encouraged viewers to watch The Apprentice before Election Day, saying, “You have the right to be curious and know what there is to know.” The film, he argued, documents decades of history that have been conveniently ignored or distorted.
Trump’s impact on reality and truth
According to Stan, Trump’s impact on reality is far-reaching. “You can create your own truth at this point,” he said. “People believe what they want to believe, and that’s the real problem.” For Stan, it’s not just about presenting facts; it’s about the experience of witnessing them unfold on screen.
He emphasized that watching the film forces the viewer to confront a critical question: “Do you trust this person? Do you trust that he’s making decisions for you or for himself?” Stan believes that the film showcases Trump’s single-minded drive for power at the expense of others.
The American dream: What’s the cost?
Stan, who was born in Romania and moved to the U.S. at 12, is no stranger to the idea of the American Dream. He was drawn to The Apprentice because it tackles this concept head-on. The film questions what happens when someone becomes so fixated on success that they lose their humanity in the process.
For Stan, the American Dream has always been a powerful symbol. “This is the promised land,” his mother once told him, pointing to the Twin Towers. But Stan’s journey also led him to ask, “What’s the cost of that dream?” The Apprentice explores this question through the lens of a man whose obsession with success comes at a heavy personal price.
No fear: Stan refuses to back down
Despite the backlash and the political risks involved, Stan remains fearless. The actor admitted that many people advised him against taking part in such a politically charged film, especially given Trump’s real threat of retribution.
“I’ve had people telling me not to do it,” Stan confessed. But he’s not afraid. “I come from a place where people were silenced and taught to live in fear,” he explained. For Stan, speaking out was necessary—an act of defiance against the very thing that once oppressed him. He refuses to be silenced, even if it means facing the wrath of a re-elected Trump.
The stakes are high for Stan and Hollywood
Stan’s role in The Apprentice and his outspoken comments are making waves in Hollywood and beyond. The Oscar nomination adds even more fuel to the fire, showcasing how Hollywood is using its platform to challenge Trump’s political legacy.
As the 2024 election looms, this film—and Stan’s bold stance—will undoubtedly continue to stir up debate. With Hollywood taking a stand and using its art to push boundaries, the 2025 Oscars are bound to be one of the most politically charged in recent memory.
Will The Apprentice bring home the gold? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Hollywood is sending a clear message to Trump and his supporters—nothing is off-limits when it comes to exposing the truth.
