Adrien Brody’s night at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2 was packed with memorable moments, from an unexpected kiss with Halle Berry to an awkward gum mishap. However, the highlight of the evening was his victory in the Best Actor category for The Brutalist, marking his second Oscar win after his 2003 triumph for The Pianist.
While Brody’s win was a significant moment, his acceptance speech stirred mixed reactions. He began by expressing gratitude to The Brutalist team before acknowledging his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, and her children. As the orchestra attempted to cue him to wrap up, Brody firmly demanded the music be stopped, asserting, “I will wrap this up, please turn the music off.” He then referenced his previous Oscar win, stating, “This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve done this before.”
Brody continued by thanking his parents for instilling values of respect and kindness, attributing his success to their support.
Online reactions to his speech were divided. Some criticized it as arrogant and unnecessarily lengthy, with one user joking that it lasted longer than The Brutalist itself. Others found his refusal to be cut off entertaining, praising his confidence and passion.
Despite the mixed reception, Brody’s win reaffirmed his place among Hollywood’s most esteemed actors, making the 97th Academy Awards an unforgettable night for the seasoned star.