Brady Corbet Reveals Grim Reality of Film Profits: Zero Dollars and Rent Woes Affect Oscar Nominees
Oscar-nominated director Brady Corbet isn’t holding back when it comes to the harsh financial realities of filmmaking. During a candid chat on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Corbet divulged that his latest film, *The Brutalist*, has earned him absolutely nothing—yes, zero dollars. Despite racking up an enviable ten Oscar nominations and critical acclaim, including accolades for lead actor Adrien Brody, Corbet has been riding a financial rollercoaster that critics may not quite understand.
“Zero,” Corbet reiterated when pressed by Maron, “We had to sort of live off of a paycheck from three years ago.” He detailed how he’s had to pivot creatively just to bring in some cash, admitting that he recently directed a few advertisements in Portugal, which marked the first time in ages he earned a paycheck. Imagine that—being an Oscar shortlisted filmmaker reduced to shooting commercials in another country just to pay the bills… welcome to Hollywood!
Corbet isn’t alone in his struggle; he revealed that many of this year’s nominees are similarly beleaguered, unable to scrape together enough funds to cover their rent. This isn’t just a trendy narrative; it highlights a grossly overlooked aspect of the film industry, where artistic endeavors sometimes come at a steep personal cost. According to a report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, around 37% of artists in the U.S. reported having lower incomes in 2023 compared to previous years, emphasizing Corbet’s plight.
For filmmakers like Corbet, ramping up promotion for a critically successful film can feel like an unending grind—“a six-month interrogation” is how he put it. Not only is he hustling since his film’s premiere in September, but he’s been juggling countless promotional obligations, leaving scant time for actual income-generating work. The promotional whirlwind is relentless; it’s relentless travel and back-to-back interviews that can wear anyone down, let alone someone trying to make a living in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
As *The Brutalist* continues to gain traction this awards season, it’s a stark reminder that not all that glitters in Hollywood is gold. The harsh truth for many filmmakers—particularly those chasing the Oscars—is that success often comes hand-in-hand with financial instability. So, kudos to Brady Corbet for pulling back the curtain on this unvarnished reality; let’s hope it sparks some change in an industry that could certainly use it.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Center for Economic and Policy Research
