Halle Berry has reclaimed one of theOscarsmost controversial moments by surprising Adrien Brody with a kiss on the 2025 red carpet. In 2003, after winning Best Actor for his role inThe Pianist, Brody initiated an impromptu kiss with Berry, a moment that has since become famously controversial. Berry has previously spoken about what happened, reciprocating despite being somewhat uncomfortable in the moment. This year, Brody won Best Actor again, this time for hisrole inThe Brutalist, the story of an architect and Jewish Holocaust survivor immigrating to the United States.
Now,Berryhas posted a video to social media ofher kissing Brody on the 2025 Oscars' red carpet, an echo of their moment together the last time he won Best Actor. The video shows her embracing the actor and kissing him, the pair hugging and smiling together as everyone observing cheers. In her post, the actor calls the kiss “payback” for the 2003 one Brody initiated. Check out the full video below:
What Berry Kissing Brody Says About Their Controversial Moment
The New Kiss Puts A Bow On Its History
Brody’s initial kiss with Berry was immediately controversial, as the actor’s initiation was a surprise that wound up televised around the world. It became the biggest moment of the night outside thewinners at the Oscars, getting talked about and even parodied at certain points after it happened. The moment was also reexamined during the #MeToo movement, with Berry admitting she had no idea it was going to happen but reciprocating despite questioning why the Best Actor winner had done it.
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However, this latest video seems to downplay the severity of the moment,with the pair hugging and laughing after Brody got a surprise kiss of his own.While it doesn’t negate the initial discomfort of what happened 22 years ago, it does indicate both actors are leaving the controversy in the past, coming full circle thanks to the actor’s newest award. Even as discussion surrounds theOscars surprising winsthis year, Berry’s own surprise for the Best Actor winner seemingly brings disdain surrounding their talked-about moment to a close.
Our Take On Berry Kissing Brody At The 2025 Oscars
Bringing A Controversial Moment Full Circle
The fact Berry kissed Brody seems to bring their original controversial moment from 2003 full circle, as both actors have now given each other a surprise kiss during the award ceremony. While the first one will likely remain a talked-about part ofOscarshistory, her getting back at him on the red carpet shows the pair are putting it behind them. Even though that initial discomfort is part of the award ceremony’s past, their moment together at the 2025 ceremony seems like fitting “payback.”
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The Oscars, first held in 1929, is an annual American awards ceremony honoring achievements in the film industry. Winners across multiple categories receive a statuette officially named the Academy Award of Merit, commonly known as the Oscar.
