At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Adrien Brody took home his second Best Actor Oscar for his powerful performance as Lázló Tóth in The Brutalist. Over two decades after his first win, Brody delivered a career-defining performance, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Adrien Brody’s Historic Oscar Journey
- 2003 Academy Awards: Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Pianist, becoming the youngest actor ever to win in the category at just 29 years old.
- 2025 Academy Awards: He wins again for The Brutalist, making him one of the few actors to win multiple Best Actor Oscars in their career.
About The Brutalist
Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist follows Lázló Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States. The film chronicles his struggles as he attempts to make a name for himself in the world of modern architecture, battling prejudice, personal loss, and the weight of history.
The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, further cementing its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Brody’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
During his acceptance speech, Brody delivered a powerful message about the importance of remembering history:
"If there’s anything the past reminds us of, it’s that we cannot ignore what is happening in the world today. We must fight against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of injustice."
He also expressed deep gratitude to his family, the film’s director Brady Corbet, and his fellow nominees.
The Best Actor Category: Tough Competition
Brody’s win came against a stacked lineup of nominees, including:
- Timothée Chalamet (Wonka)
- Colman Domingo (Rustin)
- Ralph Fiennes (The King’s Man)
- Sebastian Stan (A Different Man)
His victory highlights just how powerful and moving his performance in The Brutalist was.