Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for The Brutalist

Image credits: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and Adrien Brody clinched his second Oscar for best actor for his powerful portrayal of Lázló Tóth in The Brutalist. This film, directed by Brady Corbet, is a three-and-a-half-hour postwar American epic that spans 30 years in the life of Tóth, a fictional character whose unorthodox designs challenged societal norms. Brody's win solidifies his legacy as one of Hollywood's most compelling talents, with his first Oscar win being for his role in The Pianist in 2003.

During his acceptance speech, Brody spoke for 5 minutes and 37 seconds, reportedly breaking the record for the longest acceptance speech in the history of the Academy Awards. He expressed gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love he has received for his performance in The Brutalist and reflected on the more than 20-year gap between his first and second Oscar wins. Brody also called out antisemitism and racism during his speech, praying for a healthier, happier, and more inclusive world. He thanked his partner, Georgina Chapman, and her two children, who she shares with Harvey Weinstein, for accepting him into their life.

Brody's role in The Brutalist had obvious echoes with his most defining performance in The Pianist, where he played a Jewish artist trying to survive during WWII. His win at the 97th Academy Awards comes after he won best actor at the 78th British Academy Film Awards in February. The Brutalist was nominated for 10 Oscars, including best picture, and Brody's win is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to portray complex characters. The film's powerful message for divided times resonated with audiences and critics alike, and Brody's performance was widely praised.

The 97th Academy Awards also saw other notable wins, including Anora winning 5 awards, including best picture and best actress for Mikey Madison. The ceremony was hosted by Conan O'Brien, who joked about the length of acceptance speeches, and Kieran Culkin, who previously mocked Brody for his long speeches at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Despite the jokes, Brody's speech was a heartfelt and sincere expression of his gratitude and his commitment to using his platform to speak out against injustice. The list of nominees for best actor included Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, and Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice.

Some of the notable releases and events related to the 97th Academy Awards include:

• The Brutalist - a postwar American epic film directed by Brady Corbet
• Anora - a film that won 5 awards, including best picture and best actress for Mikey Madison
• The 78th British Academy Film Awards - where Brody won best actor for his role in The Brutalist
• The Screen Actors Guild Awards - where Kieran Culkin mocked Brody for his long speeches

The 97th Academy Awards was a celebration of the best in film, and Adrien Brody's win was a highlight of the ceremony. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to using his platform to speak out against injustice make him a compelling and admirable figure in Hollywood.

actor award academy adrien brody brutalist 97th film best postwar