‘The Brutalist’ Golden Globes winner Brady Corbet says his heart is with Aubrey Plaza after Jeff Baena’s death

The Brutalist director Brady Corbet took a moment in his Golden Globes Best Director acceptance speech to pay tribute to late filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died by suicide Friday.

Baena was 47. He directed five films, including Life After Beth, Joshy, and Horse Girl. He was married to actress Aubrey Plaza. Plaza had been scheduled to present at the Golden Globes but did not attend the ceremony after Baena’s death.

Corbet concluded his acceptance speech by saying, “Finally, tonight, my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family. Goodnight.”

In his speech, Corbet thanked the Golden Globes for “giving our film further visibility with such a 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,” Corbet said. I would also be remiss not to mention that I am humbled to be in such excellence company, filmmakers I genuinely admire. Hundreds of very devoted people worked on this film for years, before, during and after its realization.”

He also acknowledged three people close to him who died during the time he was working on The Brutalist. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank and acknowledge three people that I lost while making this picture: my grandfather James, his brother Jerry and my dear friend Kevin Turen, who I miss every day. I wouldn’t be standing here tonight if it were not for their influence.”

Corbet was nominated alongside Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), and Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light).