The awards won by The Brutalist are a testament to its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and bold visual style. Since its debut, the film has taken the international film circuit by storm, picking up accolades at major festivals and ceremonies across the globe. But what exactly has this cinematic masterpiece achieved, and why is everyone talking about it?
In this article, we break down every award The Brutalist has won in 2024 and 2025, explore what makes the film so special, and spotlight the talents behind its success.
What Is The Brutalist About?
Before diving into the list of awards won by The Brutalist, let’s talk about the film itself.
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is a historical drama that follows the story of László Toth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who flees war-torn Europe to start a new life in America. The film delves deep into themes of artistic integrity, trauma, displacement, and identity.
With a rich visual style and haunting performances, The Brutalist blends history and fiction in a way that’s deeply emotional and visually stunning.
Starring:
- Adrien Brody as László Toth
- Felicity Jones as his wife Erzsébet
- Joe Alwyn, Guy Pearce, and Alessandro Nivola in powerful supporting roles
Major Awards Won by The Brutalist (2024–2025)
Venice Film Festival 2024
The Brutalist had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, where it was met with a 10-minute standing ovation.
Awards Won:
- Silver Lion for Best Director – Brady Corbet
- Volpi Cup for Best Actor – Adrien Brody
- Best Cinematography Award – Lol Crawley
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024
Although out of competition, The Brutalist was a TIFF Special Presentation, generating major buzz and receiving the TIFF Tribute Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
Gotham Awards 2024
- Best Feature
- Outstanding Lead Performance – Adrien Brody
- Breakthrough Director (nominee) – Brady Corbet
British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) 2024
Though a U.S.-based film, The Brutalist qualified for several BIFA categories due to UK co-production and casting.
Wins:
- Best International Independent Film
- Best Screenplay – Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
Golden Globe Awards 2025
Nominations:
- Best Motion Picture – Drama
- Best Actor – Adrien Brody
- Best Director – Brady Corbet
Win:
- Best Original Score – Daniel Blumberg
BAFTA Awards 2025 (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)
Wins:
- Best Cinematography – Lol Crawley
- Best Production Design
Nominations:
- Best Film
- Best Actor in a Leading Role – Adrien Brody
- Best Original Screenplay
Academy Awards (Oscars) 2025 – Pending Results
As of April 2025, The Brutalist is nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Actor – Adrien Brody
- Best Director – Brady Corbet
- Best Cinematography
- Best Production Design
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Costume Design
Many critics expect The Brutalist to walk away with at least two major Oscars, especially for Brody’s performance and cinematography.
Why The Brutalist Is Winning So Many Awards
1. A Comeback Performance by Adrien Brody
After years of more low-key roles, Adrien Brody returns to center stage with a performance that critics are calling “career-defining.” His portrayal of László is filled with emotional restraint, inner conflict, and quiet dignity—perfectly aligned with the film’s tone.
2. A Visually Striking Film
Shot mostly in black and white, The Brutalist uses architecture and framing to mirror its characters’ emotional isolation. The cinematography by Lol Crawley is one of the film’s standout elements, earning it numerous visual awards.
3. An Original and Thoughtful Script
In an industry often dominated by sequels and franchises, The Brutalist stands out for its deeply personal and original script. It doesn’t just tell a story—it reflects on art, history, and legacy.
4. Strong Direction by Brady Corbet
This is Corbet’s third feature as a director, and it’s his most mature and ambitious work yet. His vision is both haunting and tender, placing him firmly among the most respected young directors working today.
Festival Buzz and Audience Response
Beyond the awards won by The Brutalist, audience reception has been overwhelming. It holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3/10 on IMDb. Film forums and Reddit threads are flooded with discussions about:
- The symbolism of Brutalist architecture
- The immigrant experience
- The devastating final scene (no spoilers!)
The movie has become a favorite for film students and cinephiles alike, who praise its complex layers and historical richness.
Awards Won by The Brutalist: Full Summary Table
| Award Show | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Venice Film Festival 2024 | Best Director | Won |
| Venice Film Festival 2024 | Best Actor | Won |
| Venice Film Festival 2024 | Cinematography | Won |
| Gotham Awards 2024 | Best Feature | Won |
| Golden Globes 2025 | Original Score | Won |
| BAFTA 2025 | Cinematography | Won |
| BAFTA 2025 | Production Design | Won |
| Academy Awards 2025 | Best Picture | Nominated |
| Academy Awards 2025 | Best Actor | Nominated |
Final Thoughts on The Brutalist’s Awards Run
The list of awards won by The Brutalist confirms what critics and fans have known from the beginning—this is a film that dares to be different, and it succeeds on nearly every level. From the screenplay to the performances, to the stunning visuals, The Brutalist offers a cinematic experience that is both emotionally deep and artistically bold.
As the 2025 award season wraps up, there’s a good chance we’ll see even more recognition for this modern masterpiece. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time.
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