The Breakthrough: Brody had impressed in ensemble pieces The Thin Red Line and Summer Of Sam, but 2002 Palme D'Or winner The Pianist proved he had the mettle to carry a film, although he missed out on Best Actor to Olivier Gourmet in The Son.

Post-Cannes: Brody became the youngest ever winner of the Best Actor Oscar for The Pianist. His subsequent career has seen a return to ensembles, both blockbuster (King Kong) and indie (The Darjeeling Limited).