The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, was filled with unforgettable moments, but one unexpected red carpet exchange had everyone talking. Halle Berry and Adrien Brody shocked the crowd by recreating their infamous 2003 Oscars kiss, reigniting old debates and stirring mixed reactions online.
The playful reenactment happened over two decades after the original kiss, which occurred when Brody spontaneously kissed Berry after winning Best Actor for The Pianist. While some saw it as a fun nod to Oscar history, others felt it was inappropriate—especially since Brody’s partner, Georgina Chapman, was present.
So, how did this moment unfold, and why has it divided fans once again?
A Shocking Red Carpet Moment
The moment unfolded during an interview on the Oscars red carpet, where Berry and Brody crossed paths. With a mischievous smile, Berry turned to Chapman and jokingly said, “I’m sorry, Georgina, but I gotta do it.”
Video:
Adrien Brody Kisses Halle Berry at The 2003 Oscars
Before anyone could react, Berry leaned in and planted a quick kiss on Brody, mirroring their iconic 2003 moment. The crowd responded with a mix of laughter, cheers, and a few gasps, unsure of whether to embrace the nostalgia or question the appropriateness of the act.
Surprisingly, Chapman took it in stride, laughing and clapping along with the audience. Her reaction led some fans to believe that the moment was harmless fun, while others questioned whether it crossed a line.
Looking Back: The Original 2003 Oscars Kiss
The infamous 2003 kiss remains one of the most talked-about moments in Oscars history. That year, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist and, in a moment of sheer excitement, grabbed Halle Berry and kissed her onstage without warning.
Berry later admitted she was completely caught off guard. In a 2017 interview on Watch What Happens Live, she recalled thinking:
“What is happening right now?”
Though she laughed it off, many people have since criticized the moment, especially as discussions around boundaries and consent have evolved in Hollywood. While some still see it as a spontaneous and celebratory act, others now view it as an uncomfortable display of power dynamics on a global stage.
Adrien Brody Addresses the Controversy
In an interview leading up to the 2025 Academy Awards, Brody was asked about the 2003 kiss and how public attitudes have changed over the years. He responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the shifting cultural landscape:
“We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing. Nothing I ever do is meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.”
His words reflected an awareness that what was once seen as harmless fun is now subject to more critical scrutiny.
Video:
Halle Berry KISSES Adrien Brody At 2025 Oscars 22 Years Later
Halle Berry’s ‘Payback’ Post Goes Viral
After the red carpet moment, Halle Berry took to Instagram to share a playful photo of the kiss, captioning it “Payback”—a lighthearted nod to the 2003 event.
The post quickly went viral, with fans, celebrities, and media outlets weighing in. Some praised Berry for taking control of the moment, while others criticized the act, calling it unnecessary.
Fans React: Nostalgic or Out of Line?
Social media quickly erupted with divided opinions about the reenacted kiss.
Some fans saw it as a fun tribute:
- “It’s a throwback! People are overreacting.”
- “Georgina laughed, so clearly, it’s no big deal.”
- “Halle just wanted her ‘revenge’—I think it’s hilarious!”
Others found it inappropriate:
- “Why is this happening in 2025? It wasn’t okay in 2003, and it’s not okay now.”
- “Did she really just kiss another woman’s partner on live TV?”
- “This was unnecessary and uncomfortable.”
The polarizing reactions highlight how society’s views on boundaries and public displays of affection have evolved, especially in the #MeToo era.
Georgina Chapman’s Response: Was It Really Disrespectful?
One of the biggest concerns among critics was whether Halle Berry’s kiss disrespected Georgina Chapman. However, Chapman’s visible laughter and supportive applause suggested that she took it in stride.
Chapman, a renowned fashion designer and ex-wife of Harvey Weinstein, has faced intense public scrutiny over the years. Since her relationship with Brody became public in 2020, the couple has maintained a low-profile romance.
Given Chapman’s relaxed reaction, many argued that if she wasn’t bothered, there was no reason for outrage.
Beyond the Kiss: A Night of Fashion and Film
While the Berry-Brody kiss made headlines, the 97th Academy Awards had plenty of other show-stopping moments.
From Halle Berry’s elegant red carpet gown to Adrien Brody’s classic tuxedo, the evening was a celebration of Hollywood’s finest. Fashion, film, and unexpected drama all came together to create an unforgettable night.
However, it was the surprise kiss that kept social media buzzing, proving that some Oscars moments never truly fade.
Final Thoughts: A Nostalgic Gesture or a Step Too Far?
The 2025 Oscars kiss between Halle Berry and Adrien Brody has reignited debates about boundaries, consent, and Hollywood traditions.
While some saw it as a fun, nostalgic moment, others questioned its appropriateness, especially in today’s climate. The incident serves as a reminder of how cultural perspectives shift over time, challenging us to rethink what is acceptable in public interactions.
Regardless of opinions, one thing is certain—Halle Berry and Adrien Brody’s kiss will be remembered as another controversial Oscars moment, proving that Hollywood’s most unexpected moments often become the most unforgettable.
