The Dark Horse.

BRODY, Adrien, 1973-; BERRY, Halle, 1966-; NICHOLSON, Jack, 1937-; DAY-Lewis, Daniel, 1957-

Here's what Oscar viewers now know about Adrien Brody: He likes his mom. He really likes Halle Berry. And he left big-name scenery-chompers like Jack Nicholson and Daniel Day-Lewis in the dust with a quietly devastating performance that in the end Academy voters couldn't deny. No more Mr. Cellophane: Defying the oddsmakers to become the youngest Best Actor winner in history (edging out Richard Dreyfuss), the little-recognized 29-year-old star of "The Pianist" has finally hit the big time. Brody's four-minute speech proved a dramatic high point, drawing a standing ovation for his plea for peace.