Brady Corbet, who spent part of his childhood in Glenwood Springs, won two Golden Globe awards Sunday, solidifying his place as a leading filmmaker. Corbet’s film, “The Brutalist,” earned “Best Motion Picture, Drama,” while he took home the award for “Best Director, Motion Picture.” In all, the film was nominated for seven total awards.

A 215-minute historical drama, “The Brutalist” tells the story of an architect’s journey to rebuild his life and career in the aftermath of World War II. Created with a budget of under $10 million, Corbet reflected on the journey of directing and writing the film.

“This recognition is extraordinarily meaningful for a film like this that, a few short months ago, had the odds very much stacked against it,” Corbet said during his acceptance speech. “I would also be remiss not to mention that I am humbled to be in such excellent company — filmmakers I genuinely admire.”

Corbet moved to Glenwood Springs in 1995 when he was 7 years old and attended Glenwood Springs Elementary School, as well as Glenwood Springs Middle School. He lived in the valley until 2001 before his family relocated to Los Angeles so he could pursue acting. He later moved to New York, furthering his career in the film industry.

His aunt, Jane Carrington, who has lived in Glenwood Springs since 1991, recalled Corbet taking acting classes in Carbondale.

“He always loved acting and he really started to get into it in Carbondale,” Carrington said. “That’s when he started flying out to Los Angeles for pilot season.”

Carrington expressed her pride in Corbet’s success. 

“We’re very proud of him,” she said. “We’ve seen his talent for a long time, so we’re not surprised, but we’re very happy for him.”

Although Corbet hasn’t returned to Glenwood Springs in several years, his aunt noted his continued fondness for the town. 

“He loves Glenwood Springs, he always has,” she said.

Susan Wrubel, executive director of Aspen Film Festival, spoke about Corbet’s achievements and his ties to the valley. The festival screened “The Brutalist” on Dec. 21 and plans to bring it back for a theatrical run on Jan. 24.

“I only found out that he spent time in the valley the day of the screening,” Wrubel said. “The fact that somebody like Brady came from here and forged his own way is incredible. Since his first movie he has been somebody who came bursting onto the international film scene and has been recognized as an incredible talent with a very unusual and well honed skill set.”

Wrubel also discussed the significance of “The Brutalist.” 

“It’s really a masterpiece on many levels, just in terms of what he and his wife (Mona Fastvold), who’s his co-writer, accomplished,” Wrubel said. “I’m thrilled that the film is receiving the attention and accolades that it is because it’s something truly special.”

Corbet is currently traveling the globe premiering “The Brutalist.” He and the film are contenders for Best Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards, set for Feb. 22 in Santa Monica, California.