In a night filled with emotional speeches and unexpected triumphs, Adrien Brody’s win for Best Actor at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards stood out as a heartfelt ode to the country that has embraced him as both an artist and a resident. Brody, who took home the prestigious award for his haunting portrayal of a disillusioned architect in The Brutalist, used his acceptance speech to express deep gratitude to the British public, reflecting on how England has become a second home to him over the years. “This award isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who’s made England feel like home,” Brody said, his voice thick with emotion. “To the British public, thank you for your warmth, your generosity, and your belief in stories that challenge us to see the world differently.”
The win marks a significant milestone in Brody’s career, reaffirming his status as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation. Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist is a meditative exploration of art, identity, and the scars of history, set against the backdrop of post-war Europe. Brody’s performance as László Toth, a Hungarian architect grappling with the moral weight of his creations, has been hailed as a masterclass in nuance and restraint. But it was his personal connection to the UK—and his heartfelt acknowledgment of its influence on his life and work—that resonated most deeply with the BAFTA audience.
A Role That Resonates: Brody’s Transformation in The Brutalist
The Brutalist tells the story of László Toth, a fictional architect whose monumental designs—inspired by the brutalist movement of the mid-20th century—become both a testament to his genius and a source of profound guilt. As Toth confronts the ethical implications of his work, the film delves into themes of legacy, complicity, and the search for redemption.
Brody’s preparation for the role was as meticulous as it was immersive. He spent months studying the works of real-life brutalist architects like Le Corbusier and Ernő Goldfinger, visiting iconic structures such as London’s Barbican Estate and the National Theatre. “I wanted to understand not just the aesthetics of brutalism, but the philosophy behind it,” Brody explained in a post-ceremony interview. “These buildings are polarizing—some see them as eyesores, others as masterpieces. But they all tell a story about the time and place they were born from.”
To embody Toth’s inner turmoil, Brody drew on his own experiences as an artist navigating the pressures of public perception. “László is a man haunted by the weight of his choices,” he said. “He’s constantly asking himself, ‘Am I building monuments or tombstones?’ That’s a question I think every artist wrestles with at some point.”
A Love Letter to England: Brody’s Connection to the UK
Brody’s BAFTA speech was as much a celebration of his win as it was a love letter to England, a country he has called home for nearly a decade. Born in New York to Hungarian and Polish Jewish parents, Brody has long been drawn to the UK’s rich cultural heritage and its embrace of unconventional storytelling. “There’s a fearlessness here,” he said. “British filmmakers and audiences aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort, to ask hard questions. That’s what drew me to this country, and it’s what keeps me here.”
Brody’s connection to the UK deepened during the filming of The Brutalist, which was shot on location in London, Manchester, and Sheffield. “Walking through these cities, seeing how brutalism has shaped their landscapes—it gave me a new appreciation for the UK’s resilience and creativity,” he said. “These buildings are more than concrete; they’re symbols of a society rebuilding itself after unimaginable loss.”
The actor also credited his British collaborators for shaping his performance. “Brady [Corbet] pushed me to dig deeper, to find the vulnerability beneath László’s stoicism,” Brody said. “And the crew—they made me feel like family. That sense of belonging is something I’ll carry with me forever.”
A Career Defined by Risk and Reinvention
Brody’s BAFTA win is the latest chapter in a career defined by bold choices and transformative roles. From his Oscar-winning turn as Władysław Szpilman in The Pianist to his eccentric performances in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch, Brody has consistently defied typecasting, embracing characters that challenge both himself and his audience.
“Adrien doesn’t just play roles—he inhabits them,” said The Brutalist director Brady Corbet. “He brings a level of commitment and curiosity that elevates everyone around him. Working with him was like watching a masterclass in acting every day.”
Brody’s willingness to take risks has occasionally led to underappreciated performances, but it has also earned him a reputation as an actor’s actor—a performer who prioritizes artistry over accolades. “I’ve never been interested in playing it safe,” Brody said. “The roles that scare me are the ones that excite me. That’s where the magic happens.”
The Speech That Stole the Night
When Brody took the BAFTA stage, his speech struck a chord not just for its eloquence, but for its authenticity. “I’ve been fortunate to work in many places, but England has always felt different,” he said. “It’s a place where art and life intersect in the most profound ways. Whether I’m walking through the Tate Modern or having a pint at my local pub, I feel a sense of belonging here that’s hard to put into words.”
He also paid tribute to the British public, whose support has been a constant source of inspiration. “To the people of this incredible country—thank you for making me feel at home. Your passion for storytelling, your resilience, your humor—it’s all shaped who I am as an artist and as a person.”
The speech concluded with Brody dedicating the award to his parents, who fled Eastern Europe during the Holocaust and instilled in him a deep appreciation for history and culture. “This is for my mother and father, who taught me that art is a bridge between the past and the future,” he said. “And for everyone who’s ever felt like an outsider—know that there’s a place where you belong.”
Industry Reactions: A Well-Deserved Triumph
Brody’s win was met with widespread acclaim from peers and critics alike. Fellow nominee Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) called it “a testament to Adrien’s brilliance and humanity,” while director Wes Anderson praised his “unwavering commitment to the craft.”
Social media lit up with reactions from fans, many of whom celebrated Brody’s acknowledgment of the UK’s influence on his career. “Adrien Brody’s love for England is the wholesome content we needed tonight,” tweeted one fan. Another wrote, “His speech reminded me why I fell in love with cinema—it’s about connection, not competition.”
What’s Next for Brody?
Fresh off his BAFTA win, Brody shows no signs of slowing down. He’s set to star in The Man in the Rockefeller Suit, a psychological thriller based on the true story of a con artist who infiltrated New York’s elite, and is rumored to be collaborating with Anderson on a new project.
But for now, Brody is savoring the moment. “This award is a reminder of why I do what I do,” he said. “It’s not about the accolades—it’s about the stories we tell and the connections we make. And right now, I’m just grateful to be part of this incredible community.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Art and Belonging
Adrien Brody’s BAFTA win is more than a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of art and the universal search for belonging. By honoring the UK as both a muse and a home, Brody reminded us that cinema, at its best, is a bridge between cultures, histories, and hearts.
As he left the stage, trophy in hand, Brody blew a kiss to the audience—a gesture of gratitude to the country that has embraced him as one of its own. In that moment, it was clear: Adrien Brody isn’t just an actor. He’s a storyteller, a seeker, and, above all, a man who’s found his place in the world.