Adrien Brody, a familiar face on the Academy Awards stage, made headlines once again by delivering a record-breaking acceptance speech. During the prestigious ceremony, Brody spoke for approximately 5 minutes and 40 seconds, surpassing Greer Garson's longstanding record of 5 minutes and 30 seconds. The event took place in Hollywood, where Brody's speech captivated the audience and defied typical Academy protocols, as winners are usually allotted just 45 seconds to express their gratitude.
The Oscar-winning actor, known for his historic win in 2003 as the youngest Best Actor for "The Pianist," has a reputation for pushing boundaries during his speeches. His latest accolade saw him share an emotional story about his wife, which extended the speech length. Despite interruptions from the orchestra attempting to play him off, Brody persisted in completing his heartfelt message.
"I’m wrapping up. I will wrap up; turn the music off. I’ve done this before," said Adrien Brody.
The Academy's producers were caught off guard by the length of Brody's speech. Their attempts to cue him off-stage with music were met with Brody's insistence on continuing his address. His tenacity on stage was a testament to his seasoned experience at such events.
Kieran Culkin, who won his first Oscar in the same Best Actor category for "A Real Pain," delivered a notably shorter acceptance speech lasting around 2.5 minutes. At the 2025 SAG Awards, Culkin had humorously remarked on Brody's verbose speeches, a jest that added a layer of entertainment to the night's proceedings.
"Thank you. It’s not my first rodeo, but I will be brief. I will not be egregious, I promise," Adrien Brody assured the audience during his speech.
Brody's history with memorable Oscar moments includes the infamous kiss he shared with Halle Berry upon winning his first Academy Award. This time, he opted for an extended verbal embrace instead, much to the surprise of attendees and viewers alike.
The playful exchange between Brody and Culkin highlighted a camaraderie among actors who have both experienced the Academy Awards' intense spotlight. Culkin's good-natured comment emphasized this bond.
"There was no reason to take that shot. I love you; it’s a joke. You take your time," stated Kieran Culkin.
Producers of the show noted Brody's unexpected record-breaking moment, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of live events. Despite their efforts to adhere to time constraints, Brody's determination to finish his speech added an unscripted element to the ceremony.
