The backstory of Brady Corbet's remarks about creative freedom during his acceptance speech for best dramatic film: "You give me that number, but don't tell me how to spend it."

"No one was asking for a three and a half hour film about a mid-century designer, on 70mm, but it works," the filmmaker said.

Corbet's The Brutalist has remained one of the most anticipated film releases since its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September. Rolling Stone declared the