Adrien Brody reveals why he hasn't accepted a new role since ‘The Brutalist’: "It didn’t feel right"

Adrien Brody has revealed that he has not taken on a new acting role since winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in March for his performance in The Brutalist.

Speaking during an on-stage conversation at the Red Sea Film Festival, he said the pause was not due to a lack of offers but because none had felt right. “I’ve not taken a film since The Brutalist. It’s not because I have not had interesting opportunities, but it didn’t feel quite right,” he said, emphasising how deeply he enjoys collaboration and creative immersion.

Brody, who was previously reported to be in early discussions with Damien Chazelle about a role in Evel Knievel on Tour, told the audience that he values instinct and timing when choosing projects. He encouraged young filmmakers to experiment widely, advising them to explore anything that feels like an opportunity to grow. “Any professional experience is the biggest lesson… failing or overcoming the obstacles or pressure on set will only strengthen you for the future obstacles to come,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Brody noted that he became more selective after his first Oscar win for The Pianist in 2003. He also spoke in depth about the demanding 23-day shoot for The Brutalist, describing its VistaVision production as both challenging and rewarding.

He explained that his working process is intensely focused and often solitary. “I have no personal life when I’m filming,” he said, adding that he avoids socialising and even skips meals to maintain emotional and physical readiness.

Despite the pressures, he said the goal is always to deliver the best work possible, even on difficult days where “you’re not a machine” and must find ways to reset and refocus.