Fresh off his recent victories at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, Adrien Brody continues to set the standard.
The actor, who first won a Best Actor Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist, secured his second win on Sunday for his performance in Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist.
Speaking to the press backstage at the Oscars, Brody reflected on the significance of his role in today’s political climate.
“I think we all know that it’s an important time to recognize that there’s no place for intolerance. I’m oddly receiving recognition for representing a time in history where we witness racism and oppression … [we] must learn from the past,” he said.
The nearly four-hour historical drama, which includes a 15-minute intermission, was co-written by Corbet and Mona Fastvold.
It follows the tumultuous rise of Hungarian architect László Toth (played by Brody), who seeks political asylum in the U.S. with his family.
Adrien Brody Wins His Second Oscar (Photo: Getty Images)
However, his American dream is disrupted when he crosses paths with a charismatic yet manipulative financier, played by Guy Pearce. Brody spoke about the deep personal connection he felt to the role.
“It’s been a long journey—an artistic and beautiful one. I’ve been working very hard for the past 22 years, but nothing has quite connected on this level. I’m very aware of that,” he shared.
“I’m grateful that I had the good fortune of being chosen by Brady and Mona to be part of such a meaningful story. It speaks to injustice—not just in the historical sense but also in the broader context of people who dream of escaping oppression and difficult circumstances abroad.”
He also touched on his own family’s history and how it influenced his portrayal.
“My grandparents’ struggles, their losses, and their resilience paved the way for my own good fortune. This film gave me an opportunity to honor them,” Brody said.
“The truths and insights I’ve gained from the hardships faced by so many—across different backgrounds and ethnicities—have made me even more aware of the importance of empathy.”
