Credit Image Source: https://media.nbcsandiego.com/2025/03/hallev2.jpg
Adrien Brody has been under the hot waters for various reasons over the years. His successful career is full of incidents people love to gossip about. One such incident is his controversial kiss with Halle Berry on the stage of the Oscar Awards in 2003. The duo reunited over the red carpet of the Oscar Awards 22 years later in 2025. “The Brutalist” actor recreated the infamous kiss as a playful comeback. This article brings you everything you need to know about Adrien Brody’s controversial kiss and why exactly it had people mad.
Adrien Brody Controversial Kiss
What Exactly Happened Over The Oscar Awards Stage in 2003?
Adrien Brody was awarded the Best Actor at the Oscars in the year 2003. Halle Berry became the youngest black actress to win the Best Actress Award in 2002. Therefore, according to the traditions of the Oscars, she presented the Best Actor Award to Adridn Brody in 2003. The actor climbed up the stage after the announcement and seized Berry before kissing her. He also commented after receiving the award saying “I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag.” This statement from him only added to the initial shock. Brody kissing Berry on stage is still written as one of the most controversial moments in the history of the Oscars.
Also read: Anora Wins Big at Oscars 2025 – Best Picture & More
Why Did The Kiss Have People Mad?
Adrien Brody landed in hot waters after kissing Halle Berry on the Oscar Awards stage in 2003. The critics considered his move a violation of physical boundaries and a lack of consent. He was also dragged into the MeToo movement years later. The controversy stayed alive for quite some time and became one of the most talked about moments in the history of the Oscars. Halle Berry in an interview years later clarified she had no idea about the kiss beforehand and it had her completely shocked. Hence, it was clear that she didn’t plan the kiss with Brody which made his move look even more controversial.
What Both The Actors Said About The Kiss?
Halle Berry mentioned in a 2017 interview that she had no idea about what was happening. She explained that she just went with it. However, the kiss did leave her confused. Berry was awarded the Best Actress in 2002 just a year before the controversy. She explained that she understands how winning an Oscar overwhelms one’s senses. On the other hand, Adrien Brody while speaking about the controversy mentioned it is a good thing that the perspectives have changed. He also explained that nothing he did or done or would l have done was done with the intention of making anyone feel bad.
The Playful Recreation Of The Kiss
Brody was awarded the Best Actor for his role in the movie “The Brutalist” in the 97th Academy Awards this year. The actor encountered Halle Berry after 22 years on the red carpet. The duo shared a playful kiss recreating one of the most controversial moments in the history of the Oscars. The moment was shared on the official Instagram handle of the Academy Awards. The caption of the post was “A reunion 22 years in the making #Oscars.” It quickly blew up over the internet with many users reacting over it.
Also read: Oscar Winners 2025: Find Out Which Stars Shined The Brightest This Year
What Halle Berry Said After Recreating The Kiss?
Halle Berry after playfully recreating the 2003 controversial kiss mentioned it was a payback for what happened 22 years ago. She mentioned it was one hell of a night for him and her as well. Hence, she had to pay him back tonight. Halle also mentioned she had seen Adrien over the years at various events. However, she did not encounter him after 2003 until the 2025 Oscars red carpet. The actress also explained that Adrien deserved that because he was nominated for the Best Actor Award. The duo does not seem to have any bitterness between them. The fans also recall the moment as one of the best moments of the Oscars.
