Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Moment at the 97th Academy Awards

In a night filled with cinematic brilliance and heartfelt moments, Adrien Brody delivered an acceptance speech that resonated far beyond the confines of the Dolby Theatre. Winning for his role in Brutalist, Brody’s speech was not just an expression of gratitude but a powerful reflection on the fragility of an actor’s journey, the impact of history, and the importance of love and resilience.

As he took to the stage, Brody humbly acknowledged the “tremendous outpouring of love” from the world, recognizing every individual who had treated him with respect and appreciation. His words carried a weight of experience, revealing the unpredictable nature of an acting career: “No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away.” Yet, rather than dwelling on uncertainty, he embraced the moment as a new beginning, a chance to prove his worth over the next twenty years.

Brody graciously shared his victory with his fellow nominees and colleagues, highlighting their brilliance and contributions to the industry. He extended heartfelt thanks to his team, Andrew Tsoules, CAA, A24, and Universal, among others, for believing in Brutalist. Special recognition was given to director Brady Corbet and producer Mona Fastvold for their dedication to independent film, as well as his co-stars Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones, whom he described as “brilliant and lovely.”

In a deeply personal moment, Brody paid tribute to his partner, Georgina Chapman, for “reinvigorating [his] self-worth and values,” and to her children, Dash and India, for welcoming him into their lives. He fondly declared, “Popsy’s coming home a winner.” His heartfelt gratitude extended to his parents, who provided him with a strong foundation of respect, kindness, and resilience—qualities that have undoubtedly shaped his career and personal ethos.

But perhaps the most poignant part of Brody’s speech was his reflection on the themes of Brutalist and their broader significance. “I am here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war, systematic oppression, anti-Semitism, racism, and othering.” His call for a more inclusive world, one where hate does not go unchecked, was a powerful reminder of the importance of using art as a means to foster awareness and change. “If the past can teach us anything,” he urged, “it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

As the music attempted to usher him offstage, Brody’s determination prevailed, a testament to his passion and conviction. His final words—“Let’s fight for what’s right. Keep smiling, keep loving one another. And let’s rebuild together.”—left the audience with an enduring message of unity and hope.

Adrien Brody’s win at the 97th Academy Awards was more than just a recognition of his remarkable performance in Brutalist; it was a celebration of perseverance, gratitude, and the power of storytelling to inspire and provoke thought. As Hollywood applauded his triumph, Brody reminded the world that beyond the glamour, the true essence of cinema lies in its ability to reflect and reshape reality.