Adrien Brody became tearful while delivering his heartfelt acceptance speech on Wednesday at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards held in New York City.
The 51-year-old Academy Award winner — who strolled the red carpet alongside his girlfriend Georgina Chapman — shifted his focus to the ‘courage’ of firefighters combating the raging wildfires near Los Angeles after receiving the Best Actor honor for his celebrated role in the historical film The Brutalist, which solidified his position as an Academy Award contender.
“I would be neglectful not to acknowledge the burden of what occupies our thoughts and feelings this evening,” Brody stated after accepting his award, according to People.
“It’s been a tough day for me,” he went on, his voice starting to crack, and he halted his words as tears started to form, quickly apologizing.
“It’s difficult to come to terms with something like this when there’s a lot of pain in the world,” he went on. “And, you know, my thoughts are with all the families, the animals, and our coworkers.”
Brody, who expressed gratitude to the critics group in his address, mentioned that he was receiving his award while numerous structures and residences on the ‘beach side’ of the legendary Pacific Coast Highway were ‘missing.’
‘This is our community,’ he went on, before paying tribute to first responders who risk their lives during the wildfires.
To thunderous ovation from the audience, Brody said, “I just want to thank and commend the first responders for their bravery, as well as their sacrifices and significant contributions that deserve our recognition this evening.”
He concluded his acceptance speech by emphasizing that his ‘thoughts’ were with those ‘impacted by this dreadful event.’
“They’re in my thoughts and I believe we’re all hoping for their safety,” he finished.
Brody additionally expressed special admiration for his Brutalist co-star Guy Pearce.
The Brutalist was likewise awarded the NYFCC’s Best Picture accolade, which its director Brady Corbet received.
The filmmaker and actor of Vox Lux mentioned that he could relate to some of the emotions experienced by those in Los Angeles, as his home in New York had been destroyed by fire a few years prior.
The Brutalist has emerged as one of the most recognized films this season, and it is anticipated to receive multiple prominent nominations for the Academy Awards when they are revealed later this month.
It remains uncertain whether Brody possesses any real estate in the impacted regions, but he is well-known for purchasing Stone Barn Castle in Central New York in 2007 and dedicating seven years to its renovation, documented in a film bearing the castle’s name.
David Sims and Sean Baker, who won the best screenplay award for Anora, served as hosts of the ceremony and also recognized the people of Los Angeles.
Numerous celebrities have been heartbroken by the wildfires engulfing Los Angeles.
John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins had nothing but ashes after their homes were destroyed in the fire, while Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy also saw their houses reduced to ruin.
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester experienced similar misfortune, while Anna Faris’ house was completely destroyed by fire.
Actor James Woods posted a video of the advancing flames just before he left in anticipation of his home being destroyed.
The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag experienced the loss of their home in the wildfire, and Spencer was photographed gazing grimly at the oncoming flames before his family had to escape.
Although the NYFCC gala occurred as planned, several Hollywood events have been delayed or called off due to the fires.
The premieres of films like Wolf Man, Unstoppable, Better Man, and Back in Action have been called off, and the forthcoming Critics Choice Awards have been moved from Sunday, January 12, to January 26.
