WATCH: Making history - Two Jewish actors dominate Critics Choice Awards with top honors 

Adam Brody won Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Rabbi Noah Roklov in Netflix's popular interfaith rom-com Nobody Wants This, while Adrien Brody was awarded Best Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in The Brutalist.

The ceremony, which took place on Friday night in Santa Monica, was a celebratory moment for Jewish representation in the entertainment industry. In a heartwarming gesture, Rachel Brosnahan, star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—a show that has long been praised for bringing Jewish characters and stories to the forefront—presented Adam Brody with his award. Brosnahan’s own success in portraying a Jewish woman in the 1950s has been a landmark for Jewish representation on television.

Adam Brody expressed his gratitude in an emotional acceptance speech, thanking his co-star Kristen Bell and dedicating the honor to her, calling it a “Hanukkah present” for her. The actor also shared a heartfelt moment with his wife, Leighton Meester, during the event. The couple, who have two children, recently faced the devastating loss of their home in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. Despite the challenging personal circumstances, Brody's performance in Nobody Wants This has resonated deeply with audiences, with the show becoming a cultural phenomenon since its September debut. The series, which explores Jewish life and interfaith relationships, has sparked meaningful discussions and will begin filming its second season soon.

Meanwhile, Adrien Brody took the stage to accept his own award, expressing his appreciation for the critics who made his “very small, epic film very visible and accessible.” In The Brutalist, Brody plays a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who struggles to navigate his life and career in the United States after emigrating. His portrayal of a man confronting the trauma of the past while clashing with a wealthy patron has garnered critical acclaim.

Although both Adam and Adrien Brody share Jewish heritage, they are not related. Nonetheless, their success at the Critics Choice Awards highlights the growing visibility of Jewish actors in Hollywood and the powerful impact of their diverse roles.