2025 Golden Globes Best Drama Movie: ‘The Brutalist’ Wins

The Brutalist writer-director Brady Corbet pushed for more autonomy for filmmakers while accepting the award for best drama movie at the 2025 Golden Globes.

“I’m incredibly moved,” said Corbet, who also won for best film director earlier in Sunday’s ceremony. He then quipped, “I prepared one speech, not two.”

As it turned out, Corbet still had plenty on his mind. “I just wanted to leave everyone with something to think about: Final-cut tiebreak goes to the director,” he told the crowd. “It’s sort of a controversial statement. It shouldn’t be. It shouldn’t be controversial at all. I was told that this film was un-distributable. I was told that no one would come out and see it. I was told the film wouldn’t work.”

Corbet continued, “I don’t resent that, but I want to use this as an opportunity to lift up filmmakers — not just my fellow nominees but all of the extraordinary directors in this room. Films don’t exist without the filmmakers. Please, let’s support them. Let’s prop them up.”

He went on to say about his own movie, “No one was asking for a three-and-a-half hour film about a mid-century designer on 70 millimeter. But it works. So please, just think about it.”

Also nominated in the category were Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Nickel Boys and September 5. Glenn Close presented the award.

The Brutalist nabbed seven Golden Globe nominations ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. The film won three prizes, including best actor in a drama film for star Adrien Brody. Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce were also nominated for their roles in the feature about an architect fleeing Europe following World War II.

While accepting the award for his directing earlier in the night, Corbet was grateful for this spotlight. “Sincere thanks to the Golden Globes for giving our film further visibility with such recognition,” Corbet said. “It is extraordinarily meaningful for a film like this that once, a few short months ago, had the odds very much stacked against it.”

Nikki Glaser hosted the 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The ceremony can be seen live on CBS and Paramount+ With Showtime.

Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.