Oscars 2025: Adrien Brody wins Best Actor
Adrien Brody called for a "healthier, happier and more inclusive world" as he picked up the Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'The Brutalist' at the Academy Awards on Sunday (02.03.25).
Adrien Brody called for a "healthier, happier and more inclusive world" as he picked up the Best Actor in a Leading Role accolade at the Academy Awards on Sunday (02.03.25).
The 51-year-old actor - who previously won the same prize for 2002's 'The Pianist' - scooped the prize for his work on 'The Brutalist' and echoed the messages of the film in his acceptance speech as he called for people to come together and "fight for what's right".
Adrien began his speech at Los Angeles' Dolby Theater by reflecting on his career achievements and hope to continue working long into the future.
He said: "Thank you God. Thank you for this blessed life.
"If I may just humbly begin by giving thanks for the tremendous outpouring of love that I've felt from this world and every individual that has treated me with erspect and appreciation. I feel so fortunate.
"Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous and in certain moments it is but the one thing I've gained in having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective. No matter where you are in your career and what you've accomplished, it an all go away and I think what makes this night most special is the awareness of that and the gratitude I have to still do the work that I love.
"Winning an award like this, it 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 and the opportunity to hopefully be fortunate enough that the next 20 years of my life I am worthy of such meaningful and important, relevant roles."
He then paid tribute to fellow nominees Timothée Chalamet ('A Complete Unknown’), Colman Domingo (‘Sing Sing’), Ralph Fiennes (‘Conclave’), and Sebastian Stan (‘The Apprentice'), as well as 'The Brutalist' director Brady Corbet and his partner Georgina Chapman.
He continued: "I share this with my fellow nominees who are wonderful human beings who exude grace and goodness and brilliance with their work.
"There are so many people to thank, I'll try and be as brief as possible. I thank of course my team...
"Brady and Mona, for what you've done for independent film and for your beautiful spirit and for giving me space in this triumph of a work. My fellow cast, guy and Felicity, you're just brilliant and lovely and I share this with you.
"I share this with my amazing partner Georgina who has not only invigorated my self-worth but my sense of value and my values, and her beautifuk children, Dash and India, it's been a rollercoaster but thank you for accepting me into your life, Popsie's coming home a winner."
As the music then played to indicate it was time to end his speech, Adrien requested more time and made his impassioned plea for inclusivity.
He said: "I will wrap this up, please turn the music off, it's not my first rodeo.
"I have to thank my mom and dad, who are here as well. They've just created such a strong foundation of respect and kindness and a wonderful spirit and they've given me the strength to pursue this dream.
"I'm here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and anti-Semitism and racism and othering. I believe, I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world. I believe if the past can teach us anything, it's a reminder to not let hate go unchecked."
As the music began to play again, he concluded: "OK, I'll get out of here, I love you, I appreciate you all, let's fight for what's right. Keep smiling, keep loving one another and let's rebuild together."
