Adrien Brody Gets Choked Up While Thanking ‘Bravery’ of L.A. Fire First Responders During Acceptance Speech

"I just want to share that my thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific event," the 'Brutalist' actor said on Wednesday

Jan 9, 2025 - 04:06
 3777
Adrien Brody Gets Choked Up While Thanking ‘Bravery’ of L.A. Fire First Responders During Acceptance Speech

"I just want to share that my thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific event," the 'Brutalist' actor said on Wednesday

Andrew Toth/WireImage  Adrien Brody on Dec. 5, 2024

Andrew Toth/WireImage Adrien Brody on Dec. 5, 2024

Adrien Brody became emotional while expressing gratitude for first responders of the deadly Los Angeles fires.

"I would be remiss to not mention the weight of what's on all of our mind and in our hearts tonight," said Brody, 51, while accepting the best actor award at the New York Film Critics Circle 2025 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

"It's been a heavy day for me," he continued as his voice quivered. He cried as he apologized for taking a brief pause.

The actor confessed, "It's hard to accept something like this when there's so much suffering in the world. And um, you know, my heart goes out to all of the families and the animals and our colleagues."

Jon Kopaloff/Getty  Adrien Brody on Dec. 5, 2024

Jon Kopaloff/Getty  Adrien Brody on Dec. 5, 2024

Related: Star Trek Actress Denise Crosby Says 'The Only House I've Ever Owned' Destroyed by Palisades Fire: ‘Now, Ashes’

He acknowledged that many of the homes located near the "beach side" of the Pacific Coast Highway "are gone."

"This is our community," added Brody. "I just want to thank and commend the bravery of the first responders and sacrifices and their meaningful work that deserves our recognition tonight."

His sentiment was met with applause and cheers from the audience.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"I just want to share that my thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific event," The Pianist actor concluded. "They're in my prayers and I know that we're all praying for their safety."

Brody, who won the award after his performance as László Tóth in The Brutalist, also thanked the New York Film Critics Circle for the honor.

Flames overtake the intersection of Temescal Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway Fire at the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades California on January 7, 2025.
Flames overtake the intersection of Temescal Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway Fire at the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades California on January 7, 2025.

Related: TV Reporter Describes ‘Cataclysmic' Scene as Wildfires Torch L.A., Including His Childhood Home (Exclusive)

Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed across Los Angeles fighting multiple blazes, including the Palisades Fire that broke out Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, and the Eaton Fire that broke out Tuesday evening.

As of 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Palisades Fire has burned 15,832 acres with 0% containment.

The Eaton Fire has burned 10,590 acres with 0% containment, per the L.A. County Fire Department.

There are additional fires burning in the Hollywood Hills, Acton and Sylmar. Strong winds have made responders' jobs more difficult as fires continue to spread throughout the region into a third day.

DAVID SWANSON/AFP/Getty Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025.

DAVID SWANSON/AFP/Getty Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.