When Kieran Culkin, last year’s winner for Best Supporting Actor, arrived onstage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles at Sunday’s Academy Awards to pass on the crown, he did so by praising the five men up for the award. “Gentlemen, you gave us performances we will always remember,” Culkin said. “Now it is my genuine pleasure to give one of you a moment I hope you will never forget.” The announcement that followed was indeed unforgettable, but mostly for those watching rather than the nominees in attendance. Sean Penn took home the Oscar for his role as the sadistic...