On this Sunday, March 2, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted an unforgettable evening at the 97th Academy Awards, where Adrien Brody was crowned Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist.” The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, began at 8 p.m. local time (midnight Brasília time) and spotlighted the 51-year-old American actor’s talent, captivating both the audience and Academy voters with an intense, transformative performance. Portraying László Tóth, a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, Brody outshone formidable competitors like Timothée Chalamet of “A Complete Unknown” and Ralph Fiennes of “Conclave,” marking a triumphant return to Hollywood’s pinnacle.
Brody’s win, broadcast live by ABC and watched in Brazil via TNT and HBO Max, rekindled memories of his first Oscar victory in 2003 for “The Pianist,” when, at 29, he became the youngest Best Actor recipient ever. Now, over two decades later, he proves his versatility and depth in “The Brutalist,” a film that had already clinched Best Film at the 2024 Venice Film Festival and garnered praise for its direction, score, and cinematography. The announcement sparked a standing ovation, with Brody visibly moved as he took the stage to accept the award.
As the red carpet showcased stars in stunning attire, the night belonged to Brody, whose dedication to the role involved months of physical and emotional preparation to embody a man scarred by war and driven by ambition. The 2025 Oscars reaffirm the strength of auteur cinema amid a season brimming with blockbusters and indie gems.
The Oscar for Best Actor goes to Adrien Brody! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/O95NtIsleQ
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
Brody shines on the red carpet before victory
Even before his win was announced, Adrien Brody turned heads upon arriving at the Dolby Theatre. Dressed in a sleek suit blending sophistication and modernity, the actor posed for photographers with a subtle yet confident smile. At 51, he brought a seasoned presence to the red carpet, contrasting with the youthful energy of nominees like Timothée Chalamet. The evening, which kicked off at 6:30 p.m. local time with red carpet coverage, already buzzed with speculation about Brody as a top contender, fueled by “The Brutalist” chatter backstage.
Brody’s appearance at the event also underscored his unique journey. Born to a Hungarian photographer mother and an American teacher father, his personal heritage echoed elements of his character, lending authenticity to the role. His acceptance speech after the win was heartfelt, thanking the film’s team and dedicating the award to Holocaust survivors whose stories inspired the narrative.
Where to watch the Oscars in Brazil
Brazilian fans shared in the excitement of Adrien Brody’s win through multiple platforms. TNT aired the ceremony live with simultaneous Portuguese translation, starting coverage at 11:30 p.m. Brasília time with a pre-show highlighting red carpet moments. For streaming enthusiasts, HBO Max offered real-time access to TNT’s feed, letting viewers catch Brody’s Oscar moment from their devices seamlessly.
International services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV provided ABC’s original broadcast, accessible with VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. The Academy’s social media channels also kept fans updated with clips of Brody’s speech and other highlights, ensuring the historic moment reached audiences nationwide.
The Brutalist dominates awards season
Adrien Brody’s Oscar win was no isolated feat; “The Brutalist” had been racking up accolades throughout the season. In September 2024, it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, with critics lauding Brady Corbet’s direction and Brody’s raw performance. The story of László Tóth, an architect who emigrates to the U.S. after World War II, also secured Best Original Score for Daniel Blumberg and Best Cinematography for Lol Crawley at the 2025 Oscars.
Clocking in at 167 minutes, “The Brutalist” impresses with its epic scope and emotional depth, tackling themes of trauma, ambition, and identity. The indie production, released in December 2024 in the U.S., grossed over 12 million dollars by February, a notable haul for its genre. Brody’s Oscar win cements the film’s strength, holding its own against blockbusters like “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked” across multiple categories.
Standout moments from Oscar night
Adrien Brody’s Best Actor Oscar was a highlight of the evening, but other moments also defined the night. Here are some key highlights so far:
- Standing ovation: Brody received prolonged applause as he took the stage, visibly emotional with the trophy in hand.
- Touching speech: He dedicated the award to Holocaust survivors and thanked director Brady Corbet for trusting in his vision.
- Fierce competition: Brody triumphed over Colman Domingo of “Sing Sing” and Sebastian Stan of “The Apprentice” in a tightly contested category.
These instances underscore Brody’s impact at the awards, celebrating both his performance and “The Brutalist”’s storytelling prowess.
2025 awards season timeline
Adrien Brody and “The Brutalist”’s road to the Oscar unfolded through key milestones. Here’s the awards season schedule:
- September 2024: World premiere at the Venice Film Festival, winning Best Film.
- December 2024: U.S. theatrical release, earning rave reviews and growing audiences.
- January 2025: Oscar nominations announced, with Brody and the film in multiple categories.
- March 2, 2025: Brody wins Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards.
This timeline shows how the film and its star built momentum, culminating in success at the Dolby Theatre.
Brody’s preparation for the role
Playing László Tóth in “The Brutalist” demanded exceptional commitment from Adrien Brody. He spent months researching the Holocaust and modernist architecture, shedding weight to reflect his character’s post-war fragility. Working closely with director Brady Corbet, Brody mastered a Hungarian accent and captured Tóth’s emotional complexity—a man torn between a traumatic past and American dreams.
His immersion mirrored his prep for “The Pianist,” where he learned piano and lost over 13 kilograms to portray Władysław Szpilman. That dedication paid off, with critics praising his ability to convey pain and resolve in every “The Brutalist” scene. The 2025 Oscar win is a testament to that passion and effort.
A triumphant return after two decades
Adrien Brody made history in 2003, winning Best Actor for “The Pianist” at 29, the youngest ever in the category. His impromptu kiss with Halle Berry upon accepting that award became an iconic Oscar moment. Now, at 51, he reclaims the spotlight with a maturity that elevates his legacy in Hollywood.
In the years between his Oscars, Brody starred in films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Midnight in Paris,” but “The Brutalist” thrust him back into the forefront. His 2025 win, 22 years after his first, places him alongside multi-Oscar winners like Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Penn.
The Brutalist’s influence on today’s cinema
Adrien Brody’s 2025 Oscar win reflects “The Brutalist”’s power in a season dominated by big-budget films. While “Dune: Part Two” swept technical awards and “Wicked” shone in categories like Best Costume Design, Brady Corbet’s film stood out for its dense narrative and Brody’s gripping performance. The win also champions indie cinema, carving space amid fierce competition with blockbusters.
With rising box office figures and critical acclaim, “The Brutalist” is slated for expanded international releases post-Oscar, including Brazil and Europe. Brody’s performance, paired with wins in score and cinematography, positions the film as a 2025 landmark, shaping trends and inspiring new auteur projects.
