Golden Globes 2025: Will Brady Corbet Win Best Director for The Brutalist?

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist has garnered significant attention and accolades, culminating in multiple Golden Globe nominations, including Best Director. But will he win? Let’s delve into Corbet’s career, the film itself, and the competition he faces.

From Child Actor to Auteur: A Brief History of Brady Corbet

Brady Corbet’s journey in the entertainment industry began in his youth, with roles in films like Thirteen and Mysterious Skin. He also graced the small screen, appearing in the popular series 24. However, Corbet’s true passion lay behind the camera. His directorial debut, The Childhood of a Leader (2015), earned him the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons section. He followed this success with the musical drama Vox Lux (2018), further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent. The Brutalist (2024) marks his third feature film and has already earned him the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the Venice Film Festival.

The Brutalist: An Epic Tale of Dreams and Disillusionment

The Brutalist is a historical drama following the life of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-Jewish architect who immigrates to the United States after surviving the Holocaust. The film, co-written by Corbet and his partner Mona Fastvold, explores Tóth’s struggles to achieve the American Dream, his complex relationship with a wealthy client (Guy Pearce), and the lasting impact of trauma on him and his family. The narrative unfolds in two parts, punctuated by a 15-minute intermission, allowing the audience to fully absorb the weight of Tóth’s experiences. The film’s use of VistaVision, a widescreen process popular in the 1950s, adds a layer of visual richness and historical authenticity to the storytelling.

Critical acclaim has followed The Brutalist since its premiere, with the American Film Institute naming it one of the top ten films of 2024. Its Golden Globe nominations, including nods for Brody, Jones, and Pearce for their acting performances, further underscore its impact.

Will Brady Corbet win Best Director in January? Betting site 22bet21.com thinks his chances are strong, at 1.615/1 or 61.90%.

A Look at the Competition

Corbet faces formidable competition in the Best Director category. The nominees include:

• Coralie Fargeat for The Substance
• Edward Berger for Conclave
• Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez
• Payal Kapadia for All We Imagine as Light
• Sean Baker for Anora

Each director brings a unique style and vision to their respective films, making this a particularly challenging category to predict.

Corbet’s Chances: A Critical Assessment

Corbet’s win at the Venice Film Festival undoubtedly strengthens his position. The Silver Lion is a prestigious award, often seen as a precursor to Oscar success. Furthermore, The Brutalist’s multiple Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Screenplay, suggest a broad appreciation for the film’s artistic merit. The film’s exploration of timely themes, such as immigration, trauma, and the elusive nature of the American Dream, resonates with contemporary audiences and critics alike.

However, predicting award outcomes is always a precarious endeavor. The Golden Globes, known for their sometimes surprising choices, could favor a different director. The critical acclaim for The Brutalist, while significant, doesn’t guarantee a win. The other nominees are equally accomplished and have garnered their own share of praise.

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist stands as a powerful and moving testament to his evolving directorial talent. Its critical acclaim and multiple Golden Globe nominations, including Best Director, are well-deserved. While the competition is fierce, Corbet’s win at Venice and the overall strength of The Brutalist make him a serious contender for the Golden Globe. Come January 5th, the world will watch to see if Corbet takes home the coveted award.