Adrien Brody, 51, recently won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for The Brutalist, marking a significant career milestone. His portrayal of Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian Jewish architect, earned him the honor. However, his Oscar night quickly gained attention for an unexpected moment—Brody spitting out his gum and tossing it to his partner, Georgina Chapman, which sparked controversy on social media.
Brody’s career has been unique, not following the traditional Hollywood path despite an early win in 2003 at age 29 for The Pianist. While he appeared in notable films like King Kong and several Wes Anderson movies, his career didn’t skyrocket like peers such as DiCaprio or Damon, often facing rejections due to his unconventional looks. Despite this, Brody built a diverse career.
His win for The Brutalist showcases his growth, with his portrayal of a man escaping WWII trauma echoing his past role in The Pianist. Brody’s dedication to fully understanding his characters remains central to his craft.
In his Oscar speech, Brody expressed gratitude, emphasizing the fleeting nature of success in acting and advocating for inclusivity, addressing issues like antisemitism and racism. However, his gum-throwing moment overshadowed the speech, drawing criticism and comparisons to infamous Oscar moments.
Overall, despite the controversy, Brody’s win cemented his place as a respected actor, highlighting his versatility and depth.