Fresh Air – Oscars Nominations with Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, and Adrien Brody

Episode Release Date: February 28, 2025

Introduction

In this Oscar season episode of Fresh Air, host Terry Gross engages in intimate conversations with three distinguished nominees: Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, and Adrien Brody. Each interview delves deep into their acclaimed performances, exploring the nuances of their characters, the challenges of embodying real-life figures, and the personal insights gained through their craft. This episode provides a comprehensive look into the artistry and dedication behind some of Hollywood’s most compelling performances.

Jeremy Strong on Portraying Roy Cohn in The Apprentice

Jeremy Strong, nominated for his supporting role as Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, opens the discussion by reflecting on his character's complexity and historical significance. Cohn, a controversial figure known for his mentorship of a young Donald Trump and his role in Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist investigations, presents a multifaceted challenge for Strong.

Key Topics and Insights:

• Historical Fidelity and Emotional Connection: Strong emphasizes the importance of maintaining historical accuracy while capturing the emotional essence of Cohn. He states, “I feel an enormous sense of responsibility to a kind of historical veracity and accuracy to try and capture and render the essence of these people” ([04:50]).

• Character Complexity: Discussing Cohn’s persona, Strong acknowledges the necessity of understanding the character beyond surface-level judgments. “You have to really check that at the door as an actor... identify their wounds and their struggle and then fight their fight the way they did” ([10:15]).

• Performance Nuance: Strong highlights the strategic use of voice and rhythm to embody Cohn, stating, “voice is very important to me for any character... the music of that is something that becomes your job to both master and then throw away” ([07:28]).

Notable Quotes:

• “Roy Cohn... is like the progenitor of alternative facts. He thought truth was a plaything that you could do as you wish with it” ([04:57]).
• “I feel like my job is to almost be a sort of vessel... to be a musician, a first chair musician, to play whatever instrument it is that I'm given to play” ([06:39]).

Concluding Thoughts: Strong underscores the emotional and ethical dimensions of portraying Cohn, balancing objective portrayal with personal introspection. His dedication to immersing himself fully into the role provides a layered and authentic representation of a historically significant yet morally ambiguous figure.

Sebastian Stan on Embodying Donald Trump in The Apprentice

Sebastian Stan, nominated for his starring role as Donald Trump in The Apprentice, discusses the intricacies of portraying a real and polarizing figure. His approach involves a delicate balance between authenticity and creative interpretation to avoid caricature.

Key Topics and Insights:

• Voice and Mannerisms: Stan explains his conscious decisions to differentiate his portrayal from the widely recognized contemporary Trump. “I had to very carefully select and maneuver them and kind of earn them over the period of time of the movie” ([15:01]).

• Improvisation in Performance: Highlighting his creative process, Stan reveals, “That whole clip actually was improvised... I was already prepared to sort of have something ready” ([16:38]).

• Impact of Portraying Trump Amidst His Presidency: Reflecting on Trump’s presidency during his portrayal, Stan notes, “What we go in depth in the film... it's eerily familiar. It's predictable. It's also, I may say, tragic” ([18:14]).

• Empathy and Character Understanding: Stan discusses the necessity of empathy in acting, stating, “I have wrestled with a degree of powerlessness as a child... but nowhere near the degree of powerlessness that I feel he must have gone through” ([20:31]).

Notable Quotes:

• “Trump did not sound like Trump when he was in his mid to late 30s... avoid falling into caricature” ([15:01]).
• “It's always just be denying reality and reshaping the truth as long as it fits his narrative” ([18:14]).

Concluding Thoughts: Stan’s portrayal of Trump is a study in restraint and intentionality, avoiding the pitfalls of exaggeration while delivering a performance that resonates with authenticity. His reflections reveal a deep engagement with the character’s psychological complexities and the broader societal implications of Trump’s influence.

Adrien Brody on Playing Laszlo Toth in The Brutalist

Adrien Brody, nominated for his role in The Brutalist, shares insights into his preparation and the thematic parallels between his current and past performances. Portraying Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian refugee striving to rebuild his life in post-war America, Brody draws upon his experience in The Pianist to inform his approach.

Key Topics and Insights:

• Character Preparation and Authenticity: Brody emphasizes the importance of immersive preparation, stating, “I can't portray a man who's starving if I don't understand hunger” ([27:12]).

• Artistic Legacy and Historical Context: He connects his roles, noting how The Brutalist and The Pianist both reference transformative historical moments and the enduring human spirit. “They both reference this time that has changed the shape and face of this world indelibly” ([29:30]).

• Use of Silence and Non-Dialogue Storytelling: Brody discusses the powerful use of silence in The Brutalist to convey the immigrant experience and the alienation felt by adapting to a new culture. “A lot of the silence... is also up to the filmmaker and the editor” ([32:09]).

• Family Influence and Artistic Inspiration: Reflecting on his upbringing, Brody credits his mother’s photography and artistic environment for fostering his creative sensibilities. “I am very much a focal point in front of the lens that came from an artist's eye” ([38:20]).

Notable Quotes:

• “Laszlo... settles in Pennsylvania... creates a community center in honor of his mother” ([24:50]).
• “The beauty of its length is that you are afforded moments that feel very real and personal” ([32:09]).

Concluding Thoughts: Brody’s portrayal of Laszlo Toth is marked by a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth, drawing parallels between historical trauma and personal resilience. His discussion highlights the intersection of art and memory, and the role of storytelling in navigating and transcending adversity.

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air offers a profound exploration of the dedication and artistry behind some of this year's most lauded performances. Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, and Adrien Brody each provide unique perspectives on their roles, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of bringing complex characters to life. Their reflections not only celebrate their individual achievements but also underscore the transformative power of acting in understanding and portraying the human condition.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jeremy Strong:

  • “[04:50]... an enormous sense of responsibility to a kind of historical veracity and accuracy to try and capture and render the essence of these people.”
  • “[07:28]... the music of that is something that becomes your job to both master and then throw away.”

• Sebastian Stan:

  • “[15:01]... Trump did not sound like Trump when he was in his mid to late 30s.”
  • “[18:14]... it's eerily familiar. It's predictable. It's also, I may say, tragic.”

• Adrien Brody:

  • “[27:12]... I can't portray a man who's starving if I don't understand hunger.”
  • “[32:09]... the silence... is also up to the filmmaker and the editor.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of the conversations and insights shared by the Oscar nominees. Whether you missed the episode or seek a deeper appreciation of these performances, this summary serves as a valuable guide to the rich discussions featured on Fresh Air.