Published by: Sourav Kumar 
Updated on: Tuesday, 04 Feb 2025

Adrien Brody made history at the 97th Academy Awards by delivering the longest acceptance speech in Oscars history. The renowned actor, who won Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, took an astonishing five minutes and 40 seconds to complete his speech—surpassing an 81-year-old record held by Greer Garson.

Adrien Brody’s Historic Oscars Speech

Despite repeatedly assuring the audience that he would be “brief,” Brody exceeded the previous record of five minutes and 30 seconds set by British actress Greer Garson in 1943. Garson’s lengthy speech led to the Academy introducing time limits and the practice of playing off winners with music.

However, Brody defied tradition by instructing the orchestra to stop playing when they attempted to cue him off-stage. “Please, turn the music off. I’ve done this before,” he stated, referring to his previous Oscar win in 2003 for The Pianist.

The Brutalist: A Cinematic Marvel

Brody’s win came for his powerful portrayal of an architect, haunted by the Holocaust, who relocates to the United States post-World War II to rebuild his life. The Brutalist—a three-and-a-half-hour epic featuring an intermission—was the longest film nominated for Best Picture this year.

Oscars 2024: A Night to Remember

The 97th Academy Awards was a night filled with remarkable moments. Anora, a sex-worker tragicomedy, dominated the evening, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture.

Reviews for the ceremony were generally positive. Variety praised Conan O’Brien’s debut as host, calling it “successful in more ways than not.” The Los Angeles Times noted a “generally navigable” show despite an “unnecessary tribute to James Bond films.” Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter found the evening “unstable and uneven.”

A Bizarre Yet Memorable Moment

One of the most talked-about moments of the night was when Brody, on his way to the stage, casually removed chewing gum from his mouth and tossed it to his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, who caught it effortlessly.

Reflecting on the incident, Brody later joked on Live with Kelly and Mark, “I forgot I was chewing gum… ‘I’ve got to get rid of this somehow!'”

A Powerful Closing Message

Brody concluded his speech on a solemn note, reminding the audience of history’s lessons. “If the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked,” he said, delivering a poignant message that resonated with many.

FAQs

1. What record did Adrien Brody break at the Oscars?

Adrien Brody broke the record for the longest Oscar acceptance speech, speaking for five minutes and 40 seconds upon winning Best Actor for The Brutalist.

2. Who previously held the record for the longest Oscar speech?

British actress Greer Garson held the record since 1943 with a five-minute-and-30-second speech after winning Best Actress for Mrs. Miniver.

3. How did Adrien Brody respond to being played off the stage?

Brody instructed the orchestra to stop playing, saying, “Please, turn the music off. I’ve done this before.”

4. What is The Brutalist about?

The Brutalist is a historical drama about a brilliant architect who, haunted by the Holocaust, moves to post-World War II America to rebuild his life.

5. What was the most bizarre moment during Brody’s speech?

On his way to the stage, Brody removed his chewing gum and tossed it to his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, who caught it effortlessly.

Also read: Oscars 2024: Top Moments: A Payback Kiss, Surprise Wins & Defying Gravity