Los Angeles -- Adrien Brody has made headlines once again, claiming the prestigious Best Actor award at the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, for his standout performance as László Tóth in the acclaimed film "The Brutalist". This win marks Brody's second Oscar, with his first accolade coming for his role as W9adys2aw Szpilman, the Holocaust survivor and pianist, in Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" back at the 75th Academy Awards.
The evening commenced with Brody taking to the stage to receive the coveted golden statue. The award was presented to him by last year's Best Actor winner, Cillian Murphy, who has captivated audiences with his performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Brody's portrayal of Tóth, an architect fleeing post-war Hungary to chase the American Dream, garnered immense praise from critics, propelling him through various awards, including Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics Choice wins.
"Winning an award like this signifies a destination and something my character references in the film. But to me, it also, beyond the pinnacle of a career, it is a chance to begin again," Brody expressed during his acceptance speech, captivating the audience with his heartfelt words.
Brody shared notable sentiments of gratitude, particularly toward his partner, Georgina Chapman, and her children from her previous marriage to Harvey Weinstein. He said, "I know it’s been a rollercoaster... Thank you for accepting me." His genuine appreciation extended beyond personal relationships as he acknowledged his family and the entire crew involved in the production of "The Brutalist."
This year’s race for Best Actor was particularly competitive, with notable performances nominated, including Ralph Fiennes for "Conclave", Timothée Chalamet for "A Complete Unknown", Colman Domingo for "Sing Sing", and Sebastian Stan for "The Apprentice." Despite many predicting Chalamet to win after his Screen Actors Guild Award triumph, Brody's win came as no surprise to those familiar with his previous successes throughout the award season.
Recalling his upbringing, Brody shared how his personal history significantly informed Tóth’s character. “I’m the son of a Hungarian immigrant," he remarked, highlighting how his mother's story of fleeing Hungary during the 1956 revolution influenced his approach. "You know, I grew up in Queens, which is a city built by immigrants..." This connection to his heritage brought depth and authenticity to his performance, allowing him to resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Brody's previous Oscar-winning moment remains etched in cinematic history, especially his unexpected kiss with Halle Berry after winning for "The Pianist." This year, he humorously alluded to this moment by reenacting the infamous kiss with Berry at the 97th Academy Awards, acknowledging the lighthearted yet meaningful connection they share, saying, "This is not my first rodeo" as he continued his speech past the allotted time, urging the audience to embrace themes of kindness and acceptance.
Reflecting on his career, Brody acknowledged, "It’s taken me two decades to find something of this magnitude." His dedication to portraying complex characters is evident, as he continues to evolve as both an actor and individual, seeking roles with substance and significant narratives.
Following his Oscar win, discussions surrounding "The Brutalist" intensified, as the film also secured Oscars for Best Achievement in Cinematography and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score). While some critics had raised eyebrows over the film's runtime and its AI controversy, Brody's recognition on this grand stage affirmed the film's exceptionalism and public appeal.
Brody’s win stands as both a celebration of his past achievements and the promise of what is yet to come. With discussions about joining the ranks of those who have won Best Actor multiple times, including Daniel Day-Lewis and Tom Hanks, the industry watches closely as Brody’s career continues its upward spiral. Moving forward, audiences can expect to see him take on even more challenging roles, solidifying his place among Hollywood's elite.
The 97th Academy Awards proved to be not just about the accolades but also showcased the importance of community, acceptance, and recognition of artistic contributions by diverse backgrounds. Brody's heartfelt acceptance speech and his tribute to those who paved the way for him set the tone for the evening, reminding everyone of the shared human experience embodied within the film industry.