Trevor Matthews, the son of successful Welsh entrepreneur Sir Terry Matthews, is making waves in Hollywood with his latest project, The Brutalist, which has garnered an impressive ten Oscar nominations ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards.
The film has already claimed three Golden Globes, marking an extraordinary achievement for Matthews, who served as one of the four producers of the movie.
In an interview with BBC Radio Wales Drive, Matthews, 42, expressed his disbelief at the film’s success, saying, “I don’t think you ever expect this kind of success when you’re making art, but it has certainly surpassed our expectations.”
Born in Canada and later moving to the U.S. to pursue an acting career, Matthews initially had roles in various short films.
However, his true success came as a producer. In 2004, he founded Brookstreet Pictures, a Los Angeles-based production company named after the street in Abercarn, Caerphilly County, where his father, Sir Terry Matthews, grew up.
Matthews said, “I grew up in Canada but I’ve always felt very proud of my Welsh heritage. Every time I’m there, I feel like I’m at home.”
Reflecting on his father’s influence, he added, “I’m blessed, I’ve got one of the best role models in the world. I’m so proud of my dad. He leads by example, and I’m trying to do the same thing. He’s been supporting me for so long, and everyone in my family has. He gave me the security and the ability to be an entrepreneur.”
Brookstreet Pictures is responsible for films such as First Kill (2017) starring Bruce Willis and The Forgiven (2021) featuring Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain.
However, it is The Brutalist, a three-and-a-half-hour epic starring Adrien Brody, that has brought Matthews international acclaim.
The film tells the poignant story of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor rebuilding his life as an architect in post-war America.
Matthews spoke about the challenges faced in bringing The Brutalist to the screen, especially the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“No matter if you’re making a $100m studio movie or a little independent movie, it really is lacing up your boots and getting ready for battle. You have to constantly believe in yourself and your team,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, Matthews and his team have succeeded in creating a “true indie movie” that has captured global attention.
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, Matthews is grateful for the overwhelming response to the film.
“The film has overcome a lot of adversity to get to where it is today, and to see the film have this response has been overwhelming. It’s been such an incredible ride, and we’re so proud of it,” he concluded.
The Oscars will be presented on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, where The Brutalist will compete for top honors.
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