NEW YORK − Adrien Brody made history at age 29 as the youngest actor to win the best actor Oscar for his role in the 2002 film “The Pianist,” which dealt with the Holocaust.

Now, over 20 years later, he might be in the running for a second Academy Award with his performance in “The Brutalist” (currently in select theaters and set for nationwide release on Jan. 17). In this film, he portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant within Brady Corbet’s expansive 3 ½-hour narrative. This role resonates deeply with Brody, 51, who has Polish Jewish roots from his father and Hungarian heritage from his mother, who escaped Budapest during the Hungarian Revolution and settled in New York in 1958.

“Even though this is a fictional story, it feels very real to me,” Brody explains while enjoying tea on a rainy afternoon in December. “It resides within me; it’s deeply connected to my truth. Just last night, my mom sent me various images: some from ‘The Pianist,’ others of my grandfather, and some showing my dad holding me as a little boy. All those memories and phases of my life are intertwined.”

Adrien Brody reflects on the ‘difficult’ process of filming ‘The Pianist’

Set across several decades, “Brutalist” begins with László arriving in Pennsylvania after World War II, where he’s relegated to shoveling coal and living in a cousin’s storage room. Once a revered architect in Hungary, he soon catches the eye of a wealthy industrialist (Guy Pearce), who commissions him to create a lavish community center. However, as László and his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) strive to build a new life, they continually face exploitation and reminders of their outsider status.

Brody was impressed by the “complexity” and “depth” in Corbet’s script, co-written with his partner, director Mona Fastvold.

“Finding a role like this has taken me years,” Brody admits. “It’s such an ambitious project. It connected instantly with my family’s immigrant experience in America. Even after assimilating and identifying as Americans, the feeling of being a foreigner lingers.”

According to Corbet, casting Brody was an obvious choice due to his personal history. The director notes, “He is incredibly emotionally present; his grace and apparent anguish are so genuine. He truly wears his heart on his sleeve.”

Brody’s striking features and expressive eyes have made him a notable figure since his film debut in 1989’s “New York Stories.” He collaborated with acclaimed directors Spike Lee (“Summer of Sam”) and Terrence Malick (“The Thin Red Line”) during the ’90s before landing the role of Władysław Szpilman in Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist.”

Considering the “immense” trauma Szpilman endured during the Holocaust, Brody experienced a heavy sense of duty to portray it accurately. He lost a significant amount of weight—31 pounds—to accurately represent the starved musician and distanced himself from family and friends throughout the filming process.

“It was a very challenging experience, but I’m willing to make sacrifices for my roles,” Brody reflects. “I truly gave my all, yet it was difficult to recover: the physical effects of that extreme diet persisted and were tough to deal with. I gave up my home, stopped living with my girlfriend, and even sold my car. Everything was in storage, and I didn’t have a phone number! I really went to great lengths then.”

The film served as a profound “emotional awakening” for the young actor, revealing to him “immense loss” and “the strength of the human spirit.” Following the shoot, he experienced a year-long depression, returning to New York just weeks before the events of 9/11.

“Everything contributed to a darker mindset,” Brody reflects. “It wasn’t solely about the acting; it was about the insights I gained during the journey.”

Adrien Brody reflects on a lighter experience while making ‘The Brutalist’

Since then, Brody has adopted a healthier approach to his roles. With a connection to the character László, his main focus for “Brutalist” was to learn a Hungarian dialect.

“It took years of experimentation, but for this film, I didn’t leave with the same emotional turmoil,” Brody notes. “Working with Brady was also a pleasure, making for a supportive environment.”

Yet, he understands the struggles of Method actors: “I’ve worked alongside many who can be difficult, but I have a good relationship with them,” Brody chuckles. “I don’t take their outbursts personally. I recognize the artist’s inner struggle. When you dive deep into a role, it can affect how you manage your emotions.”

Watching “Brutalist” was both “challenging and emotional” for Brody’s parents, who attended the Golden Globe Awards with him, where he received the award for best actor in a drama. (He also earned a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Awards the following Wednesday.) As he approaches Oscar season, Brody experiences a renewed sense of direction and “optimism for the future.” Over the past 20 years, he has consistently acted, featuring in several Wes Anderson films and HBO’s “Succession.” Nevertheless, he often feels uncertain about his place in Hollywood.

“It can be frustrating, but it motivates creatives to produce their own works when opportunities aren’t offered,” explains Brody, who has rediscovered his passion for painting in recent years. He has set up a home studio in upstate New York where he lives with his girlfriend, fashion designer Georgina Chapman.

“Painting coming back into my life has granted me a level of creative freedom that acting doesn’t provide,” details Brody. “It has given me control and the opportunity to step back. The beauty of this film is that it serves as a reminder to others of my artistic vision. Actors must constantly prove their relevance and remind filmmakers and producers of their value.”

Now, “I feel empowered to concentrate on what inspires me and choose the next journey I want to take,” Brody adds. “This is a positive position for anyone engaged in artistic endeavors. The path usually involves moments of near-satisfaction or overwhelming disappointment. (Laughs.) Fortunately, I’m not in that situation right now, and I’m thankful for it.”