Golden Globes 2025: Brady Corbet wins Best Director for The Brutalist; pays tribute to Aubrey Plaza's late husband Jeff Baena

Brady Corbet

Brady Corbet’s emotional acceptance speech for Best Director at the 2025 Golden Globes was a highlight of the evening. Corbet, recognised for his directorial work on The Brutalist, took the opportunity to honour the late Jeff Baena, a prominent voice in independent cinema and husband of actress Aubrey Plaza.

Jeff Baena, known for films like Life After Beth, Joshy, and The Little Hours, tragically passed away on Friday at the age of 47. His death, confirmed to be by suicide, sent shockwaves through the film community. Corbet concluded his speech with heartfelt condolences, saying, "Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family." Corbet expressed gratitude to the Golden Globes for recognising The Brutalist, a film that overcame significant challenges to reach the spotlight. "This recognition is extraordinarily meaningful for a film like this that, a few short months ago, had the odds very much stacked against it," he shared.

He also extended thanks to the dedicated team who worked tirelessly on the film, as well as his fellow nominees including Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), and Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light).

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"Sincere thanks to the Golden Globes for giving our film further visibility with such recognition. It is extraordinarily meaningful for a film like this that once, a few short months ago, had the odds very much stacked against it. I would also be remiss not to mention that I am humbled to be in such excellent company, filmmakers I genuinely admire. Hundreds of very devoted people worked on this film for years before, during, and after its realisation," he said.

In closing, Corbet reflected on personal losses, mentioning his late grandfather and close friend Kevin Turen, before offering a heartfelt tribute to Jeff Baena.