Two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and actor Dakota Johnson discussed their approaches to cinema, defining roles, and the creative process during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.
Read More: Adrien Brody breaks longest Oscars speech record as ratings dip
Brody, known for his intense, character-driven performances, rose to fame with The Pianist, while Johnson built her career through relationship-centric and mainstream films, beginning with Fifty Shades of Grey.
Highlights from our exclusive In-Conversation with Adrien Brody and Hakeem Jomah at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in #HistoricJeddah.#RedSeaIFF25 #RedSeaIFF #ForTheLoveOfCinema pic.twitter.com/2X4RamIJub
— RedSeaFilm (@RedSeaFilm) December 7, 2025
Brody addressed the potential impact of AI on filmmaking, saying tools can enhance creativity but cannot replace human emotion. He emphasized the importance of preserving the craft of cinema, even amid technological shifts. He also spoke about decompressing after demanding roles, mentioning painting, music, and spending time in nature.
Reflecting on his career, Brody said The Pianist relied heavily on memoirs and historical accounts, offering audiences a visceral understanding of war. He advised young artists to embrace opportunities that foster growth while being realistic about their creative ambitions. On winning the Academy Award, he described it as a milestone but emphasized that acting is a lifelong journey, noting his aspiration to be “more of a storyteller than an actor.”
Johnson discussed her evolving approach to choosing roles and shared insights on production, describing it as more challenging than acting. She highlighted her latest film, Materialists, and recalled experiences on Cha Cha Real Smooth and Peanut Butter Falcon, noting the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the lighter moments off set.
Read More: Adrien Brody now gunning for Olivier recognition
On her career development, Johnson praised director Luca Guadagnino for making her feel “seen” on Suspiria, and recounted feeling supported by Tilda Swinton during A Bigger Splash. She also addressed themes of motherhood and feminism, reflecting on her personal growth and understanding of womanhood. Johnson expressed excitement about future creative collaborations in Saudi Arabia.