Adrien Brody has claimed his second Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most compelling actors, reports AP.
Brody earned the Best Actor accolade at the 97th Academy Awards for his portrayal of Lázló Tóth, a visionary Hungarian architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States in search of the American Dream. The film, which spans 30 years, follows Tóth's unorthodox designs and his dedication to artistic integrity, challenging societal expectations.
In his acceptance speech, Brody reflected on the glamorous nature of the industry, acknowledging that while it can appear glamorous, the reality often offers a humbling perspective. "No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away," he remarked, highlighting the fleeting nature of success. He also pointed out that being aware of this transience makes the night especially meaningful.
During his speech, Brody also addressed issues of antisemitism and racism, emphasizing the lingering impacts of war, oppression, and discrimination. He expressed hope for a more inclusive and harmonious world and stressed the importance of not allowing hatred to go unchecked.
Brody triumphed over other nominees including Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan.
The Brutalist, a postwar American epic directed by Brady Corbet, is nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture. Brody stars alongside Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce in this three-and-a-half-hour VistaVision film.
In February, after winning Best Actor at the 78th British Academy Film Awards, Brody spoke about the powerful message of The Brutalist, calling for shared responsibility in how we treat others. "There's no place anymore for antisemitism or racism," he said.
Brody previously won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2003 for The Pianist. His 22-year gap between wins is the second longest in history, with Anthony Hopkins holding the record at 29 years between Silence of the Lambs and The Father.
Brody is also well known for his roles in The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited, and Midnight in Paris. In The Brutalist, his character's experiences resonate with his iconic role in The Pianist, where he played a Jewish artist struggling to survive during WWII.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia