Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor for The Brutalist

Adrien Brody’s parents were among the surprise stars of the 2025 Golden Globes telecast, with his mother and father shown erupting in applause as he gave them thanks from the stage.

Brody, who won best actor in a drama film for The Brutalist, noted that both his parents were key to his growth as an artist.

“You always hold me up,” Brody said, choking with emotion as he addressed his parents. “I often credit my mother for her influence on me as an artist, but dad, you are the foundation of this family, and all this love I receive flows back to you.”

Brody’s mother, photographer Sylvia Plachy, fled Hungary in the 1950s amid the Hungarian revolution and eventually ended up in America. Brody noted the parallels to his character’s journey in The Brutalist, about an architect Holocaust survivor who flees to America.

Brody, whose father is Elliot Brody, beat out fellow contenders Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Daniel Craig (Queer), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).

“I owe so much to my mother and my grandparents for their sacrifices,” Brody continued, going on to address those who have come to America fleeing troubled situations. “Though I do not fully know how to express the challenges you have faced and experienced …. I hope this work stands to lift you up a bit and to give you voice.”

The Brutalist was among the big winners at the Globes, also taking home wins for best drama motion picture and best motion picture director (Brady Corbet).

“Brody pours himself into the character with bristling intelligence and internal fire, holding nothing back as he viscerally conveys both exultant highs and gutting sorrows,” The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney wrote in his review. “His exacting accent work alone is a measure of his commitment to the audacious project.”

Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.