The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival's 32 jurors are at the top of their field in acting, directing, writing, journalism, and art. This fantastic group of people will decide the winning films in the World Narrative Feature Competition, the World Documentary Feature Competition, the Best New York Narrative Competition, the Best New York Documentary Competition, the Narrative Shorts, the Documentary and Student Shorts, and the Tribeca All Access Competition.

In an effort to get to know these artists a little better, we asked them to submit their answers to some questions about life, art, films, and inspiration. Next up? Actor Adrien Brody and filmmaker Richard Ledes, who are judging the Made In New York Narrative Competition.

Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody is an Oscar winner and a SAG Award and Golden Globe nominee; his films include Cadillac Records, The Brothers Bloom, and The Darjeeling Limited.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents, people who make sacrifices to help others, and Robert De Niro.

What piece of art (film/book/music/what-have-you) do you recommend to your friends?

The Power of Now, to remind us to stay present. The Deer Hunter, to not forget the past.
 
What would your biopic be called?
 
ADRIEN BRODY WAS ADRIEN BRODY (now in 3D).

Are there any movies that you find yourself quoting all the time?
 
Taxi Driver, The Darjeeling Limited.

What's your earliest memory of seeing (and loving?) a movie in the theater?

My dad used to take me to Chinatown as a little kid to watch Kung-Fu movies. Those films, and seeing Jaws in the theatre at four years old had a big impact.
 
With what movie character do you identify most?

Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.
 
What gets you up and going in the morning?
 
Green tea.

What's your life philosophy or motto?
 
Give thanks, and roll with it.

What's your chief characteristic?
 
Stubbornness.

Tell us about one of the best meals you've ever had.
 
It was two in the morning. I had just come home to NYC after spending six months in Eastern Europe filming The Pianist, and had a slice of Joe's Pizza. I had an epiphany in that moment. I become profoundly grateful, and shamefully aware that for my entire life I had taken for granted the luxury of simply being able to afford a slice of pizza whenever I wanted it. It brought me to tears. 
 

Richard Ledes
Richard Ledes is the director of The Caller, winner of TFF's 2008 "Made in NY" Narrative Feature.

What piece  of art (film/book/music/what-have-you) do you recommend to your  friends?

Antigone by Sophocles.

Are there any movies that you find yourself quoting all the time?

Chinatown, Vertigo, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

What gets you up and going in the morning?

My kids, the movie I'm working on - either for real or in my head.

What's your chief characteristic?

Doggedness.

Tell us about one of the best meals you've ever had .

Croque madame in Paris with mustard, salt, pepper, a cafe creme and a book I'm reading.