Adrien Brody made headlines on Sunday, March 16, 2025, by breaking the record for the longest Oscar acceptance speech during the 97th Academy Awards, clocking in at a staggering five minutes and 40 seconds. This momentous occasion unfolded during a ceremony that ran almost four hours long, reaching an estimated 18 million viewers across US network ABC and streaming platform Hulu.
Previously, the record for the longest Oscar speech was held by British actress Greer Garson, who took home the Best Actress award in 1943. Her speech lasted five minutes and 30 seconds, a record that stood for over eight decades. The Academy had implemented time limits and introduced the practice of ‘playing off’ winners with music after Garson's lengthy monologue. However, Brody, who previously won Best Actor in 2003 for his role in "The Pianist," decided to push back against this custom.
Dressed elegantly, Brody addressed the audience and made headlines when he called for the orchestra to stop the music as he prepared to share his thoughts. "Please, turn the music off. I've done this before," he confidently asserted, alluding to his past experiences at the Oscars. "It's not my first rodeo, but I will be brief. I will not be egregious, I promise." Despite his insistence on brevity, he managed to extend his speech even further, ultimately concluding his remarks 90 seconds later.
The preliminary audience figure of 18.1 million, as reported by ABC, includes streaming numbers from Hulu, indicating a shift in how audiences engage with the award show as it debuted live streaming for the first time this year. However, despite the new format, the ceremony experienced a dip in viewership compared to last year’s early ratings figure of 19.5 million, which was seen during a gala that featured Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "Oppenheimer" and musical performances from the hit movie "Barbie." In an unfortunate context, Oscars ratings sank as low as 10.4 million during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing how fluctuating public interest has impacted the awards over recent years.
Reviews of the 97th Academy Awards ceremony varied significantly. Variety referred to the event as "successful in more ways than not," noting the impressive debut of Conan O'Brien as host, who was praised for embodying a balance of wit and sincerity. In contrast, The Hollywood Reporter described the program as "unstable" and "uneven," while the Los Angeles Times characterized the show as "generally navigable" despite an unwelcome segment dedicated to a musical tribute to James Bond films. Indiewire called the event "one of the best Oscars telecasts in years," highlighting a perception of improvement among the audience’s experience.
During his acceptance speech, Brody reflected on his role in the movie "The Brutalist," in which he plays a brilliant architect grappling with the haunting ghosts of the Holocaust while attempting to establish a new life post-World War II in America. While expressing gratitude, Brody thanked over a dozen influential individuals, including his parents, director Brady Corbet, and co-stars Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones. The emotional weight of his words resonated as he closed his speech on a serious note, stating, "If the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked." This poignant conclusion served as a call to action during a time when global communities face increasing division and intolerance.
In a lighter moment earlier in his address, Brody opted to remove chewing gum from his mouth and toss it to his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, as he prepared to take the stage. Afterward, during a post-victory interview on the show "Live with Kelly and Mark," he humorously remarked, "I forgot I was chewing gum... I’ve got to get rid of this somehow!" This whimsical clip captured the audience's attention and showcased his more playful side amid the ceremony's serious ambiance.
The 97th Academy Awards not only marked a historic moment in Oscar history with Brody's extended speech but also highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Academy Awards as they adapt to changing audience preferences and technological advancements. As the gala concluded, critics and audiences reflected on a night filled with celebration, discussion, and mixed sentiments about the future direction of the Oscars.
