Adrien Brody won his second Oscar for Best Actor at the 2025 Academy Awards for his role in The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet. Brody’s win came after a competitive race against other nominees, including Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan.
Why It Matters
Brody’s victory is notable as it marks his second win in the Best Actor category. The actor’s first Oscar came in 2003 for his role in The Pianist, where he became the youngest-ever winner in the category at 29. His second win cements his place among the greats of the industry, joining a select list of actors who have won twice.
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What to Know
In The Brutalist, Brody portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian architect who moves to the U.S., to work on a monumental project while awaiting the arrival of his family. The film garnered 10 Oscar nominations, with Brody taking home the Best Actor statuette, along with awards for cinematography and original score.
Brody began his acceptance speech by expressing deep gratitude for his career and the life he’s had. “Acting is a very fragile profession,” he remarked, highlighting the unpredictability of success in the industry. He stressed the importance of perspective, acknowledging that no matter how far one climbs, it can all disappear.
Throughout his speech, Brody spoke about the significance of continuing to pursue meaningful work. “Winning an award like this…is a chance to begin again,” Brody said. He also touched on the lasting impacts of war, antisemitism, and racism, reminding the audience of the importance of fighting hate and creating a more inclusive world.
What People Are Saying
Adrien Brody in his Oscars speech: “Winning an award like this is, it signifies a destination. 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. And the opportunity to hopefully be fortunate enough for the next 20 years of my life that I can prove that I am worthy of such meaningful and important relevant roles.”
He added: “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war, and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and of othering, and I believe that I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”
What Happens Next
With his second Oscar win, Brody’s career trajectory is looking stronger than ever. As he continues to tackle challenging and socially relevant roles, the industry and audiences alike are eager to see what future projects he will take on, including his upcoming endeavors in both independent and blockbuster films.