LOS ANGELES — Adrien Brody has added another accolade to his remarkable career by winning his second Oscar for Best Actor. This achievement came on Sunday night at the 97th Academy Awards for his role as a visionary Hungarian architect in “The Brutalist,” further cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors.
Brody’s award-winning performance was for his portrayal of Lázló Tóth, a character who escapes the horrors of the Holocaust and embarks on a journey to America in pursuit of his dreams. The film, “The Brutalist,” spans three decades in the life of this fictional architect whose unconventional designs defied societal expectations, driven by his relentless quest for artistic authenticity.
During his acceptance speech, Brody expressed gratitude for the glamorous yet fleeting nature of his success. He becomes the 11th man to win Best Actor twice, joining the ranks of esteemed actors such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Spencer Tracy, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, and others.
Reflecting on the meaning of this achievement, Brody stated, “It looks very glamorous and in certain moments it is. But the one thing that I’ve gained, having the privilege to come back here, is to have some perspective. No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away. And I think what makes this night so special is the awareness of that.”
He used his platform to address significant issues such as antisemitism and racism. “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and othering,” Brody said. “I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”
Brody expressed his appreciation for his partner, Georgina Chapman, acknowledging the positive impact she has had on his life and values. He also extended his thanks to her children, from her previous marriage to Harvey Weinstein, who is currently awaiting a retrial on sex crime charges in New York.
In a heartfelt moment, Brody said, “I know this has been a roller coaster, but thank you for accepting me into your life. Popsies coming home a winner.”
Speaking backstage, Brody reflected on the arduous journey leading to his win, describing it as “a long and beautiful one.” He described his career as an artistic journey enriched by creative choices, where many talented individuals compete for limited opportunities. “I’ve been working very hard for the past 22 years, but nothing quite connected on this level, so I’m conscious of that,” he said.
Brody secured the win over strong contenders including Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown,” Colman Domingo for “Sing Sing,” Ralph Fiennes for “Conclave,” and Sebastian Stan for “The Apprentice.”
“The Brutalist” itself garnered ten nominations, including Best Picture, as a postwar American epic directed by Brady Corbet and filmed in VistaVision. Brody shared the screen with co-stars Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce.
After previously winning Best Actor at the British Academy Film Awards earlier this year, Brody emphasized the film’s important message for present times. “The Brutalist” exemplifies the need for collective responsibility in treating others the way we wish to be treated, underscoring that there’s no place for antisemitism or racism.
Brody previously won his first Best Actor Oscar in 2003 for his role in “The Pianist.” His 22-year gap between wins is only surpassed by Anthony Hopkins, who had a 29-year interval between his wins for “Silence of the Lambs” and “The Father.”
Adrien Brody’s career is also marked by stellar performances in films such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” and “Midnight in Paris.” His role in “The Brutalist” resonates with his acclaimed portrayal of a Jewish artist during WWII in Roman Polanski’s 2002 film “The Pianist,” solidifying his reputation as a dedicated artist tackling profound historical themes.
