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."

Brady also briefly mentioned Aubrey Plaza and her late husband, director Jeff Baena. As the Los Angeles Times reported earlier today, Jeff was found dead on Friday at his home. The Los Angeles County coroner's office determined suicide as the cause of death.

Brady Corbet, director and co-writer of the 215-minute drama “The Brutalist,” says he likes “big canvases.” Brady Corbet may be excused if he’s feeling vindicated, even a little smug, about the lengthy running time of “The Brutalist,” his drama about a Holocaust survivor’s post-war struggles in America.

The Brutalist' beat out 'A Complete Unknown', 'Conclave', 'Dune: Part Two', 'Nickel Boys' and 'September 5' for the big award

"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.

Drama and Best Director – Motion Picture, The Brutalist filmmaker Brady Corbet offered some food for thought: “Final cut tie-break goes to the director.” This, said Corbet, is “sort of a controversial statement,

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

"Final-cut tiebreak goes to the director," the filmmaker said while accepting his movie's third award of the night.