Introduction
At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, Adrien Brody made history by delivering the longest acceptance speech in Oscars history. Upon receiving the Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist, Brody spoke for 5 minutes and 40 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Greer Garson, whose 1943 speech lasted 5 minutes and 30 seconds. His speech, while filled with deep reflections and gratitude, sparked both admiration and debate regarding the appropriate length of acceptance speeches at such prestigious events.

The Content of Brody’s Speech
Brody’s speech encompassed reflections on the fragility of the acting profession, expressions of gratitude toward collaborators, and acknowledgments of historical themes portrayed in his films. He spoke passionately about the transient nature of success in the entertainment industry and the importance of resilience for artists.
As he poured his heart into the speech, he thanked his co-stars, directors, and family, taking time to recognize the importance of storytelling in cinema. However, when the orchestra attempted to play him off after four minutes, Brody humorously requested they stop the music, insisting he had a few more words to share. His determination to finish his thoughts—despite clear signals to wrap up—added to the moment’s memorability.
Reactions and Context
The extended duration of Brody’s speech drew mixed reactions. Some viewers found it heartfelt and sincere, appreciating his raw emotion and authenticity. Others, however, felt that it stretched on too long, arguing that speeches should be concise to maintain the ceremony’s flow.
Interestingly, this incident occurred shortly after actor Kieran Culkin jokingly called out Brody’s reputation for being “too wordy” during the 2025 SAG Awards. Many saw the Oscars speech as an ironic fulfillment of Culkin’s lighthearted jab. The situation sparked online discussions about whether award speeches should have stricter time limits or if exceptions should be made for particularly moving moments.

Impact on Future Awards Ceremonies
Brody’s speech has now set a new benchmark for award speeches, prompting discussions on whether the Academy should reinforce stricter time restrictions. While some believe award winners should be free to express themselves without constraints, others argue that long speeches can drag out the ceremony and take time away from other honorees.
In response to this moment, some insiders speculate that future Oscars broadcasts may introduce new guidelines for speech durations, possibly including more assertive cut-off mechanisms. Regardless of the outcome, Brody’s speech will remain a historic Oscars moment, reminding everyone of the passion and dedication behind an actor’s journey.
Conclusion
Adrien Brody’s record-setting acceptance speech at the 2025 Oscars has become a notable moment in the ceremony’s history, sparking discussions about the balance between personal expression and time constraints during live award shows. Whether viewed as inspiring or excessive, his heartfelt words left an undeniable mark on the night, further cementing his legacy in Hollywood.
From nacreboutique