The 2025 Academy Awards unfolded last night at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, bringing excitement and anticipation as filmmakers, actors, and their fans awaited to see which cinematic achievements would be honored. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on ‘The Brutalist,’ directed by Brady Corbet, which not only garnered ten nominations but also emerged as one of the evening's big winners.
Leading the charge was Adrien Brody, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his compelling portrayal of László Tóth, an architect escaping war-torn Europe post-World War II. Brody’s performance has been praised for its depth and nuance, echoing the resilience of those who rebuild their lives from the ashes of tragedy. With this win, Brody made history once again, becoming the youngest actor to win this accolade back in 2003 for his role in ‘The Pianist’ and now, 23 years later, he validates his status as one of the industry’s most captivating talents.
"I’m honored to stand here today, representing not just my character's story but also the stories of those who faced adversity and found ways to overcome it," Brody stated during his acceptance speech. He went on to address some themes of 'The Brutalist,' saying, "My character’s struggles are reflective of systemic oppression and the need for compassion and solidarity. Let us fight against hatred together." His heartfelt message struck a chord with the audience, though several viewers noted the extended duration of his speech on social media.
‘The Brutalist’ tells the harrowing story of László and his wife Erzsébet, who emigrated to America after the war, seeking to reconstruct their lives amid the harsh realities of a new world. The film intricately embodies the triumph and tragedy of human resilience, weaving through complex themes of love, loss, and the yearning for acceptance. Alongside Brody, Felicity Jones starred as Erzsébet, earning much acclaim, and Guy Pearce was praised for his supporting role.
While ‘The Brutalist’ excelled, it wasn’t the only standout film of the night. The competition was fierce, particularly with ‘Anora’ taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The film navigates the intricacies of familial relationships against the backdrop of societal barriers, showcasing the emotional spectrum of its characters effectively. Actresses like Mikey Madison, who secured Best Actress for her role, have also been recognized for their outstanding performances.
Despite having fewer awards than ‘Anora,’ ‘The Brutalist’ also claimed victory for Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, with both being pivotal elements enhancing the film's narrative. Industry experts have started speculating whether Brody's heartfelt and passionate award speech played a role in swaying votes toward his film’s favor.
Other notable films and their main categories included: ‘Emilia Pérez’ with 13 nominations but only secured one award for Best Supporting Actress, which went to Zoe Saldaña. Meanwhile, ‘Wicked,’ also with ten nominations, won for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, keeping its charm alive with audiences eagerly awaiting its sequel.
For audiences curious about the length and structure of ‘The Brutalist,’ the film runs for 3 hours and 35 minutes, complete with a 15-minute intermission, something rarely seen today. This unique choice allowed viewers to digest the heavy narratives explored throughout the film. Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, many were eager for its stateside release, which hit theaters on December 20, 2024.
Now approaching the world of streaming, 'The Brutalist' will soon be available for viewers on platforms like Prime Video. Viewers are eagerly awaiting when they can enjoy the movie from home, reflecting on its award-winning status.
On another note, Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his role as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown,’ lost to Brody but his performance has generated considerable buzz, marking his place as a valuable talent to keep an eye on.
Overall, the Oscars 2025 stood out as one of the most competitive years yet. While ‘The Brutalist’ took its rightful place among acclaimed works, with Brody’s win serving as both recognition and remembrance of those who have fought for identity, acceptance, and dignity throughout history.
Despite the various narratives presented during the awards ceremony, one consistent theme emerged: the ability of film and storytelling to bridge gaps and promote unity, all rooted deep within the human experience.