Adrien Brody Wins Second Best Actor Oscar for Holocaust Survivor Role

Adrien Brody has claimed his second Academy Award for Best Actor, this time for his portrayal of Holocaust survivor László Tóth in The Brutalist. The win marks a career milestone for the Jewish actor, who previously won the prestigious award in 2003 for his performance in The Pianist, where he played Władysław Szpilman, one of the few Jews to survive the Warsaw ghetto.

While The Pianist focused heavily on Szpilman’s harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, The Brutalist shifts to the postwar era, where Brody’s character, Tóth, navigates life as an architect in the United States, dealing with the lingering effects of trauma.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Brody reflected on the resonance between the two roles, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past. “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war, systematic oppression, antisemitism, racism, and othering,” he said. “I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

Brody’s performance in The Brutalist has garnered widespread recognition, including a Golden Globe Award last month and a Critics Choice Award earlier this month.

At the same ceremony, Brody celebrated alongside Adam Brody, who won Best Actor in a Comedy Series, making it a memorable night for the Brody family.

Adrien Brody’s victories in both The Pianist and The Brutalist underscore his remarkable ability to bring deep humanity to roles centered on trauma and resilience. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to honor his incredible contribution to cinema and the ongoing importance of telling stories that remind us of the dangers of hate and division.