The BrutalistDirector Says the Film Has Made Him 'Zero Income' — and Other Oscar Nominees 'Can't Pay Their Rent'

Mar. 15, 2025

Adrien Brody in ‘The Brutalist’; Brady Corbet at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Feb. 16.Photo:Courtesy of A24; Joe Maher/BAFTA/Getty

Courtesy of A24; Joe Maher/BAFTA/Getty

The BrutalistdirectorBrady Corbetis getting honest about filmmaking finances.

Speaking withMarc Maronon hispodcastWTFin a candid episode published Monday, Feb. 17, theOscarnominee — currently in contention for writing, directing and Best Picture at theupcoming Academy Awards— said the amount of moneyThe Brutalisthas made him is a simple number: “zero.”

The Brutalist, starringAdrien Brodyas a Hungarian immigrant fleeing the aftermath of the Holocaust to find work as an architect in the U.S., has earned critical praise and prestigious accolades alike. Its 10 Oscar nominations include recognition for supporting starsFelicity JonesandGuy Pearce, as well as leading man Brody, who has won this awards season’sGolden Globe,Critics Choice Award,BAFTAand more.

Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist”.Lol Crawley

Lol Crawley

When a surprised Maron, 61, clarified that the film has netted Corbet no income, the recent BAFTA winner responded, “Yes. Actually, zero. We had to just sort of live off of a paycheck from three years ago.”

Noting that filmmakers are “not paid to be promoting a film,” he added, “if you look at certain films that premiered in Cannes [Film Festival], that was almost a year ago … I mean, our film premiered in September. So I’ve been doing this for six months. And had zero income because I don’t have any time to go to work.”

Corbet also likened the promotion around releasing and campaigning forThe Brutalistto “a six-month interrogation.” Press interviews are “boundless,” he said. “It’s constant travel, and you’re also working Saturdays and Sundays. I haven’t had a day off since the Christmas break.”

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(Left-right:) Stacy Martin, Brady Corbet, Felicity Jones, Adrien Brody, Mona Fastvold, Raffey Cassidy and Guy Pearce on Jan. 15.Ian West/PA Images via Getty

Ian West/PA Images via Getty

Lack of income is not a challenge exclusive to him, Corbet continued. “I’ve spoken to many filmmakers that have the films that are nominated this year that can’t pay their rent. I mean, that’s a real thing," he said.

Corbet and Maron’s interview also covered the filmmaker’s decision to step behind the camera after years of working as an actor. He made his directorial debut with 2015’sThe Childhood of a Leaderbefore 2018’sNatalie Portman-starringVox Lux.The Brutalist, which he said took eight years to develop and film, is his third feature-length project.

The Brutalistis in theaters now.

source: people.com