Adrien Brody nabbed an Academy Award Sunday for his portrayal of an architect in “The Brutalist,” marking the second Oscar for the Jewish actor, while the film industry’s night of nights’ biggest winner was its unlikely frontrunner, independent black comedy film “Anora.”

The more than three-and-a-half hour Oscars broadcast was a relatively staid affair, with little of the political tub-thumping that has characterized previous editions. Unlike last year’s host Jimmy Kimmel, host Conan O’Brien ignored US President Donald Trump and, despite an astounding week of politics around the war in Ukraine, the ceremony had only one mention of the conflict and only one speech concentrated on the situation in Gaza.

Both of Brody’s awards for best actor in a leading role came for his portrayal of Holocaust survivors. In 2003, he received best actor for his performance in “The Pianist,” in which he played Władysław Szpilman, who was among a handful of Jews to survive the Warsaw ghetto and went on to resume a classical music career. That movie focused almost entirely on Szpilman’s Holocaust experience.

“The Brutalist,” on the other hand, centers on the postwar period, as Brody’s character, László Tóth, makes his way as an architect in the United States.

In his acceptance speech, Brody acknowledged the resonance of the two roles, saying: “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war, and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and of othering, and I believe that I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

Oscars show producers tried to play Brody off the stage twice during his lengthy acceptance, offering one of the few moments of levity in an otherwise serious speech.

“Please, I’ve done this before,” he said.

Brody previously won a Golden Globe for his “The Brutalist” performance last month, as well as a Critics Choice Award earlier this month. At that ceremony, he hobnobbed with Adam Brody, who won best actor in a comedy series.

The Holocaust also loomed large in the night’s first award, which went to Kieran Culkin for best supporting actor in “A Real Pain.” Culkin starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg in the film about odd-couple cousins who travel to Poland on a Jewish heritage tour to honor their late grandmother.

“I have no idea how I got here,” said Culkin, “I’ve just been acting my whole life.”

But it was “Anora” — the tale of a sex worker whose marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch quickly unravels — which emerged as the big winner at the awards ceremony, scooping five Oscars, including best picture.

Sean Baker’s black comedy also took home the Academy Awards for best director, best editing, best original screenplay and best actress for 25-year-old star Mikey Madison.

“This is a dream come true,” said Madison.

“I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. So to be here standing in this room today is really incredible.”

A shell-shocked Madison later told reporters backstage she was still processing a win that looked set to open career doors — even though she had no idea what was next.

“I just know that tonight I’m going to go home to my new puppies and probably clean up their mess,” she laughed.

Her win was something of an upset, as she bested 1990s megastar Demi Moore, who had been the odds-on favorite to cap a late-career flourish with a golden statuette for body-horror flick “The Substance.”

Baker used one of his four acceptance speeches to urge support for independent movies.

“I want to thank the Academy for recognizing a truly independent film. This film was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists,” he said.

The five wins by “Anora” — out of six nominations — was an impressive haul for a movie made for just $6 million, a tiny sum by Hollywood standards.

The film’s triumph came at the expense of “Conclave” — a film about the secretive and cut-throat election of a new Catholic leader that had been lent an uncanny timeliness by the real-life health woes of Pope Francis.

The Vatican intrigue, starring Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, earned top honors from Britain’s BAFTAs, and the Hollywood actors’ SAG Award, but had to settle Sunday for best adapted screenplay, despite having been seen as a favorite heading into the night.

Without the standard spotlight on politics, the gala was a more traditional Hollywood event, kicked off with glossy high-production glitz.

“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo began the show with a soaring medley honoring the land of Oz that brought the house down, including a rapturously received “Defying Gravity” from their nominated film.

O’Brien took aim in his opening monologue at the controversy that has surrounded “Emilia Perez,” whose transgender star sank the film’s Oscar hopes when a series of offensive tweets were unearthed.

“Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascon’s publicist,” he said.

Brazil won its first Oscar for best international feature for “I’m Still Here,” and Latvia’s “Flow” won the award for best animated film.

With the exception of Madison, the acting prizes went where they had been expected to go.

“Emilia Perez” star Zoe Saldana won for best supporting actress, and she emotionally thanked her family.

“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award,” she said.

“I know I will not be the last.”

Similar to last year, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and war in Gaza made its presence known at the ceremony, this time with “No Other Land,” the story of Palestinian activists fighting to protect their communities from demolition by the Israeli military, winning the Oscar for best documentary.

The collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers follows activist Basel Adra as he risks arrest to document the destruction of his hometown, which Israeli soldiers are tearing down to use as a military training zone, at the southern edge of the West Bank.

Adra’s pleas fall on deaf ears until he befriends a Jewish Israeli journalist who helps him amplify his story.

“About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions and forcible displacements,” said Adra as he received his award.

Guy Pearce, who acted in “The Brutalist,” arrived at the Oscars wearing a “FREE PALESTINE” pin featuring a white dove and a gold branch.

Pearce, who has expressed his support for Palestinians throughout the awards season with various pins, said: “It’s the least we can do. I’m just always on the case of trying to recognize Palestine and it having as much support as it possibly can because it’s what it absolutely needs.”

Israeli actress Gal Gadot was also on hand to present the award for best visual effects alongside Rachel Zegler, her co-star in the upcoming live-action reimagining of “Snow White.”

Zegler has repeatedly posted on social media over the years calling to “free Palestine.”

This year’s Oscars, among the most unpredictable in years, unspooled after a turbulent year for the film industry. Ticket sales were down 3 percent from the previous year and more significantly from pre-pandemic times. The strikes of 2023 wreaked havoc on release schedules in 2024. Many studios pulled back on production, leaving many out of work. The Los Angeles fires in January only added to the pain.

Last year’s telecast, propelled by the twin blockbusters of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” led the Oscars to a four-year viewership high, with 19.5 million viewers. With smaller indies dominating this year, the academy was sure to be tested in finding as large an audience.

The ceremony took place days following the death of Gene Hackman. Morgan Freeman, his co-star in “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion,” honored him.

“This week, our community lost a giant,” said Freeman, “and I lost a dear friend.”