LOS ANGELES (AP) — Adrien Brody achieved a significant milestone at the 97th Academy Awards, winning his second Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in the film “The Brutalist.” The ceremony took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Brody portrayed Lázló Tóth, a visionary Hungarian architect who escapes the Holocaust and embarks on a journey to the United States in pursuit of his American Dream.
The film “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, spans three decades in the life of Tóth, exploring his unorthodox designs and endless quest for artistic integrity. In his acceptance speech, Brody reflected on the glamorous yet precarious nature of an acting career, stating, “It looks very glamorous and in certain moments it is.” He noted that he is now among the 11 actors in history to win the Best Actor award more than once, joining the ranks of notable winners such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Sean Penn.
Brody’s message during his speech extended beyond personal achievement; he addressed critical social issues, particularly antisemitism and racism. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and confronting hatred, saying, “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression.” His remarks resonated deeply given the current global climate surrounding these issues.
Brody triumphed over strong competition, edging out fellow nominees Timothée Chalamet for "A Complete Unknown," Colman Domingo for "Sing Sing," Ralph Fiennes for "Conclave," and Sebastian Stan for "The Apprentice." “The Brutalist” was nominated for ten Oscars in total, including Best Picture, highlighting the film's critical acclaim and robust narrative.
With a runtime of three-and-a-half hours, “The Brutalist” has been described as an epic postwar American story filmed in VistaVision. The cast includes talented actors like Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, showcasing a dynamic range of performances throughout the film. Brody previously won the Best Actor Oscar in 2003 for his role in “The Pianist,” making his recent win 22 years after his first. This gap is notable, second only to Anthony Hopkins, who won after a 29-year interval between wins.
Reflecting on his career growth, Brody expressed the perspective he has gained over the years, stating that regardless of achievements, everything can swiftly change. He acknowledged the privilege of returning to the Oscar stage and the importance of awareness regarding the fragility of career success. Furthermore, Brody reiterated the pressing need for collective responsibility in promoting inclusivity and fighting against systemic oppression, remarking, “There’s no place any more for antisemitism. There’s no place for racism.”
Brody's powerful speech and role in “The Brutalist” underscore his commitment to using his platform for social advocacy, while also reflecting on his own journey as an artist. Known for a range of acclaimed performances in films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” and “Midnight in Paris,” Brody’s legacy as an enigmatic and versatile talent continues to grow.
As the film industry grapples with its cultural responsibilities, Brody’s win and the messages delivered during his acceptance speech serve as poignant reminders of the role art plays in addressing social issues. To explore further insights and updates from this year’s Academy Awards, visit the dedicated AP coverage online.
