Adrien Brody dedicates his Globe win for ‘The Brutalist’ to his immigrant ancestors
3 min readAdrien Brody dedicated his Golden Globe win for The Brutalist to his immigrant ancestors, acknowledging their struggles and sacrifices. The movie, which revolves around the story of a Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States, had a remarkable night at the Golden Globe Awards. The film, which stars Brody in a lead role, was nominated for seven awards and took home four, including the prestigious Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama award for Brody. This marked his first individual Golden Globe win.
In his acceptance speech, Brody expressed immense gratitude and humility, emphasizing the personal connection he felt to the story of The Brutalist. The film follows the journey of a character who, like Brody’s own ancestors, faced adversity, persevered through war, and ultimately sought a new life in America. Brody drew parallels between his character’s journey and the experiences of his own family members, many of whom fled war-torn regions to seek refuge and opportunity in the United States. He dedicated his award to those who have faced similar struggles, particularly immigrants who have fought for a better life.
Brody began his speech by thanking the Golden Globe voters, describing the honor as deeply humbling. He expressed his admiration for his fellow nominees, listing names like Daniel, Colman, Timmy, Sebastian, Ralph, and others, highlighting their incredible work and the inspiration they have provided him. He also took a moment to thank the film’s director and producers, Brady and Mona, for giving him the opportunity to contribute to what he referred to as a “triumph and monument to humanity and the arts.”
The actor shared his gratitude for the collective effort that went into making The Brutalist, praising the cast, crew, and everyone involved in the film. “This is a collaborative effort, and I share this with all of you,” Brody said. He also expressed appreciation for his friends and team at CAA and A24, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his career and this particular journey.
Brody’s heartfelt thanks continued as he turned to his parents, who were present at the ceremony. He credited his mother for her significant influence on his development as an artist, while also honoring his father as the “foundation of this family.” He attributed much of his success to the love and guidance of his parents, saying that their constant support had been essential in helping him achieve his dreams.
The actor also expressed deep gratitude to his partner, Georgina, calling her “beautiful and amazing” and recognizing her for her generosity of spirit, resilience, and creativity. Brody stated that it was because of Georgina’s unwavering support that he was able to stand on the stage and accept the award. He confessed that there was a time when he felt that such an opportunity might never come again, making this moment all the more meaningful.
As Brody continued, he emphasized how the story of The Brutalist resonated with his own family’s experiences. The character’s journey mirrored the struggles of Brody’s mother and ancestors, who, like many immigrants, fled their homes in search of a better future. “I owe so much to my mother and my grandparents for their sacrifice,” Brody said, acknowledging that he could never fully comprehend all the challenges they faced. He extended this sentiment to all those who have struggled while immigrating to the United States.
The actor concluded his speech by reflecting on the significance of his work in The Brutalist. He hoped that the film would stand as a tribute to the immigrant experience, offering a voice and recognition to those who have faced adversity in their pursuit of the American Dream. “I hope that this work stands to lift you up a bit and to give you a voice,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the moment and the opportunity to contribute to a story that had such personal and universal resonance.
Brody’s Golden Globe win not only marked a milestone in his career but also served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by his family and many others in the pursuit of a better life. His speech was a tribute to the resilience of immigrants and the enduring power of human creation and connection.