Brady Corbet Reveals Zero Income Despite Oscar Nods for The Brutalist
Who knew the Oscars came with so many financial struggles? Brady Corbet, the director behind the Oscar-nominated film The Brutalist, is spilling the beans on the harsh reality of filmmaking and it’s not as glamorous as you’d think.
In a candid chat with Marc Maron on his WTF podcast last February 17, the 36-year-old revealed the shocking truth: despite The Brutalist racking up 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and recognition for its stellar cast, he’s made a grand total of zero dollars off the film. Yes, you heard that right—zero. “I just directed three advertisements in Portugal,” Corbet admitted. “It’s the first time that I had made any money in years.”
So, how has Corbet been getting by? Well, he’s been living off a paycheck from three years ago since his and his wife Mona Fastvold’s last few projects didn’t bring in any cash. He explained they “made zero dollars on the last two films that we made.”
While The Brutalist has been hailed by critics and has earned the coveted Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics Choice Award nods for Brody, Corbet insists he hasn’t made any money off the film. When a shocked Maron asked how this could happen, Corbet confirmed, “Yes. Actually, zero.”
As Corbet revealed, filmmakers aren’t exactly rolling in cash when they market their productions. He added that directors are “not paid to be promoting a film.” Even though The Brutalist premiered last September, the filmmaker shared he’s been working nonstop since then. “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 described the campaign for The Brutalist as a grueling “six-month interrogation,” highlighting how press tours are endless, with travel, interviews, and working weekends. “I haven’t had a day off since the Christmas break,” he added.
Here’s the kicker: it’s not just Corbet who’s feeling the pinch. He revealed that many filmmakers are also struggling. “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 confessed.
In between all the talk about financial hardships, Corbet also shared how he transitioned from acting to directing. After his 2015 directorial debut with The Childhood of a Leader and 2018’s Vox Lux starring Natalie Portman, The Brutalist became his third feature-length project. Corbet claimed it took a whopping eight years to develop and shoot.
The reality of filmmaking might be far from the sparkling, red-carpet image many of us envision, but Corbet’s honest take on the challenges of the industry offers a much-needed glimpse into the untold side of Hollywood.
