In a stunning moment that will go down in history, Adrien Brody delivered the longest acceptance speech ever recorded at the Oscars, clocking in at an impressive 5 minutes and 40 seconds. This remarkable achievement took place at the prestigious Dolby Theatre during the 2025 Academy Awards, where Brody triumphed over notable contenders like Timothée Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, Colman Domingo, and Ralph Fiennes. His victory was celebrated for his powerful portrayal of the Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth in the acclaimed film The Brutalist.
As Brody ascended the stage, he made a memorable entrance by spitting out his chewing gum and tossing it to his partner, Georgina Chapman. Ignoring the traditional 45-second timer, he captivated the audience, eclipsing the previous record held by Greer Garson, who delivered a 5-minute and 30-second speech for her Oscar win in 1943 for Mrs. Miniver. Although no complete footage of Garson's speech exists, Brody's speech is now immortalized in the archives of Guinness World Records.
During his lengthy address, Brody passionately spoke out against anti-Semitism and racism, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical traumas and the impact of war and oppression. He stated, “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression. I believe that if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.” This powerful message resonated with viewers, reflecting the actor's commitment to fostering a more inclusive world.
Brody also took time to reflect on the nature of acting, describing it as “a very fragile profession.” He acknowledged the glamorous facade of the industry but reminded everyone that success can be fleeting. “No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away,” he remarked. His words highlighted the gratitude he felt for continuing to pursue the work he loves, making this night even more special for him.
As he concluded his speech, Brody expressed his appreciation for the moment and urged everyone to “fight for what’s right, keep smiling, keep loving one another, and let’s rebuild together.” His heartfelt words left a lasting impression on the audience, encapsulating the spirit of unity and resilience.
The 2025 Oscars were marked by significant wins beyond Brody's historic speech. Anora took home the night’s top honors, while The Brutalist also celebrated victories in categories such as best original score and best cinematography. Mikey Madison was awarded best actress, and director Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars for his film, including best director, best original screenplay, and best film editing, along with the coveted best picture award.
In the acting categories, Kieran Culkin won best supporting actor for his role in A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña made waves as the best supporting actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña notably became the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, adding to the significance of the evening.
