Adrien Brody, known for his exceptional portrayal in the film “The Pianist,” made history in 2003 by becoming the youngest ever winner of the Best Actor Oscar. His dedication to the role of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a musician trying to survive in the Jewish ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland, saw him lose 30 pounds and master the piano to play Chopin.
Now, twenty-two years later, Brody is back with a second Oscar nomination for “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet. The film follows the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who moves to the United States, facing challenges of antisemitism and classism while trying to rebuild his career and adapt to a new society.
Tóth’s encounter with Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce, offers him a chance to showcase his talent in constructing a monumental community center. However, as his wife Erzsébet, portrayed by Felicity Jones, arrives from Europe, Tóth finds himself torn between his artistic aspirations and the harsh realities of working in a foreign land.
Brody, drawing on his own family history and upbringing, deeply connected with the character of Tóth. He highlighted the sacrifices made by his Hungarian ancestors, shaping his perspective and influencing his performance. His grandfather’s heavy Hungarian accent and colorful language added a personal touch to the role.
In a candid interview, Brody emphasized the importance of empathy in his acting choices, aiming to represent marginalized voices and bring their stories to light. His portrayal in “The Brutalist” garnered critical acclaim, earning him awards from various prestigious institutions.
“The Brutalist,” distributed by A24, has been praised for its engaging narrative and powerful performances, now available in select theaters and VOD. Brody’s outstanding portrayal of László Tóth in the film earned him his second Academy Award, recognizing his remarkable talent and dedication to the craft.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Brody expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his passion for acting and the fleeting nature of success in the industry. He reminded fellow artists of the fragility of their profession and the importance of cherishing every moment spent doing what they love.
Beginning anew is an opportunity Brody eagerly embraces, as he aims to validate his worth in the next two decades through significant, meaningful roles. Reflecting on his characters in “The Pianist” and “The Brutalist,” he emphasizes his dedication to portraying the enduring impacts of war, systemic oppression, anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination. Brody expresses hope for a better, more inclusive world, underlining the importance of addressing hatred. Timothée Chalamet’s Evolution Timothée Chalamet’s career soared with his first best actor Oscar nomination at 22 for “Call Me By Your Name.” In “A Complete Unknown,” he embodies legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan during his transition from folk artist to rock star. Chalamet delved deep into Dylan’s origins and pivotal moments, even gaining weight and mastering the guitar for authenticity. Immersed in Dylan’s persona, he isolated himself during filming, focusing intensely on the role to honor the music icon. Chalamet’s commitment extended to learning over 40 Dylan songs and performing them live on set, showcasing a dedication that defined his portrayal of the enigmatic artist.
While visiting folk artist Woody Guthrie in a New Jersey hospital, Chalamet performed “Song to Woody” with such authenticity that director James Mangold praised his first take, noting a standout moment where Chalamet held a note that captured genuine emotion. Chalamet studied video footage of Bob Dylan to prepare for the role, including a duet with Joan Baez, which he analyzed at a slower pace to observe Dylan’s nuanced interactions. Reflecting on his experience filming “A Complete Unknown,” Chalamet expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring the story to life and emphasized the value of continuous learning and self-discovery through the project. Despite his recognition at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the film’s multiple Academy Award nominations, Chalamet remains humble, envisioning a casual meeting with Dylan where they might discuss mundane topics like sandwiches or weather instead of focusing on the movie. “A Complete Unknown,” distributed by Searchlight Pictures, is currently showing in theaters and available for VOD streaming.
In a separate film project, “Sing Sing,” based on the real-life experiences of incarcerated men participating in a theater program at Sing Sing prison, Colman Domingo delivers a powerful performance as Divine G, a key figure in the program. The value of theater as a means of rehabilitation is underscored by the success of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), which significantly reduced recidivism rates among participants. Domingo’s portrayal of Divine G at a clemency hearing highlights the transformative impact of the program. His career trajectory, from acclaimed stage roles to his recent Oscar nomination for “Rustin,” reflects his dedication to diverse and challenging roles that resonate with audiences. Domingo’s journey as an actor culminates in his current success, where his skills align with compelling storytelling that engages and inspires viewers.
Last March, on the day of the Oscars, Domingo shared a childhood photo on Instagram alongside a reflection on his journey towards realizing his dreams. He expressed gratitude for the challenges and joys that shaped his path, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, love, and faith. Domingo’s vibrant spirit caught the attention of fashion icon Anna Wintour, who invited him to co-chair the 2025 Met Gala, a role he eagerly accepted. His latest film, “Sing Sing,” released by A24, is now available on VOD.
In another cinematic venture, Ralph Fiennes portrays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in the thriller “Conclave,” delving into the intricate world of papal politics. Fiennes, drawn to characters with internal conflicts, found resonance in Lawrence’s struggle with doubt and uncertainty. Reflecting on his Catholic upbringing and personal journey, Fiennes shared his fascination with existential questions that continue to shape his perspective. His performance in “Conclave” garnered critical acclaim and award nominations, further cementing his versatility as an actor.
Sebastian Stan takes on the role of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” exploring the real estate mogul’s formative years under the guidance of attorney Roy Cohn. Set against the backdrop of 1970s and ’80s New York City, the film delves into the tactics of self-promotion and media manipulation that would define Trump’s future endeavors. Despite warnings about the project’s controversial nature, Stan embraced the challenge, showcasing his acting prowess and willingness to tackle complex roles. “The Apprentice,” directed by Ali Abbasi, offers a compelling glimpse into the early influences that shaped Trump’s approach to business and public image.
“He chuckled, “But in general, I believe that fear should push us to face the storm head-on, rather than retreat from it.” People are bound to enter the movie with a multitude of preconceptions and emotions about Trump,” he remarked. “Yet, I believe that by cutting through the noise and delving into the fundamental questions — what emotional void needed filling? What drove him? What potential did the man possess, and where did it all go astray? How did we arrive at this point today? There is still merit in exploring these inquiries.”
“I view the film as a portrayal of trust,” Stan asserted. “I see it as a chance to scrutinize these individuals and truly question ourselves: Do we have faith in them? Can we rely on our innate intuition over the prescribed thoughts, emotions, and comprehension? Can we harness our instincts to place our trust in these figures as we navigate the future?”
This marks Stan’s inaugural Academy Award nomination, having previously garnered Golden Globe and BAFTA nods for his role in “Apprentice.” Additionally, he clinched a Golden Globe nomination this year for his performance in “A Different Man.” “The Apprentice,” vying for two Oscars, can be accessed through VOD.
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