At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, actor Adrien Brody won the coveted Best Actor award for his performance in the film "Brutalist." This victory marks his second Oscar, the first being for his acclaimed role in "The Pianist." While Brody's achievement is noteworthy, it was overshadowed by three unusual incidents during the ceremony, leading to significant backlash from viewers and social media users.
The first and most controversial moment occurred when Brody, upon receiving his award, realized he was still chewing gum. Trying to find a solution, he removed the gum from his mouth and tossed it toward his companion, designer Georgina Chapman, who attempted to catch it. This spontaneous act was caught on camera and quickly went viral. Audience reactions were mixed; some found the gesture natural, considering the moment's excitement, whereas others deemed it inappropriate for such a prestigious event. Social media erupted with comments labeling Brody's behavior as rude and disrespectful, making this incident one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Following the ceremony, Brody addressed the gum incident during an appearance on a talk show, explaining he had forgotten he was chewing gum and didn't want to swallow it before his speech. Chapman, unfazed by the incident, continued to support him throughout the evening.
Another point of contention was Brody’s lengthy acceptance speech, which lasted 5 minutes and 40 seconds, breaking the previous record held by actress Greer Garson at 5 minutes and 30 seconds since 1943. At the Oscars, strict timing regulations dictate speeches should not exceed 45 seconds, though winners of major awards are occasionally granted up to 1.5 minutes. Despite this, Brody, clearly emotional about the significance of his win, chose to extend his remarks, beginning with gratitude for the film’s director, cast, and crew before transitioning to express appreciation for friends and family, even mentioning his first acting teachers.
Initially, the audience responded warmly, applauding his reflections on the challenges he faced for the role. Yet, as the speech lagged, expressions of confusion appeared on the faces of some attendees, and whispers among actors could be observed. When his remarks surpassed three minutes, the broadcast producers attempted to signal him to wrap up by increasing the background music volume. Unfazed, Brody pressed on with anecdotes and philosophical musings, illustrating the deep emotions associated with his craft.
Once the speech echoed past the five-minute mark, the auditorium divided its reactions — some applauded enthusiastically, urging him to continue, whereas others appeared disengaged or disinterested. Hilarity ensued online, with jokes surfacing about Brody's speech enduring longer than the ceremony itself, with some users quipping one could rewatch "The Pianist" within the span of his address.
Consequently, the streaming service Hulu faced financial fallout. Their programming was intricately timed, and after his time was up, they disconnected viewers from the broadcast, which was problematic as the announcements for Best Actress and Best Picture had yet to be made. This decision led to Hulu inundated with requests for refunds from irritated subscribers.
The fallout from Brody’s gum incident and lengthy speech led many to express disappointment and call for boycotting the actor. Some lamented the Academy Award had not gone to Ralph Fiennes instead, reflecting the shifting sentiments toward Brody.
The third awkward moment, though not directly tied to the backlash against Brody, arose from his speech where he mentioned Chapman’s children, India and Dashiel, from her previous marriage to disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein. Brody thanked them for warmly accepting him and shared how they affectionately call him "Papsi." This mention raised eyebrows, as it brought Weinstein's tarnished legacy to the forefront during the prestigious event.
Representing Weinstein, spokesperson Juda Engelmaier provided a restrained response, expressing Harvey's contentment for Georgina and gratitude for the care surrounding his children. Engelmaier noted the importance of the children feeling loved and safe, recognizing Brody's affection as positive news.
Outside of Adrien Brody’s Oscar achievements, the ceremony also highlighted various trends and sociopolitical currents, especially the connection with Yuri Borisov, another nominee whose invitation was speculated to be influenced by political shifts since the resurgence of Trump’s presence. A film critic observed Borisov as emblematic of American goodwill toward Russia, contrasting the typical perception of Russians as dangerous yet soulful.
This connection seemed to propel Borisov to newfound heights within Western cinema circles. The expert pointed out his appeal as he emerges more frequently on lists of preferred talent for upcoming projects, shedding light on the complex dynamics of Hollywood's reception of foreign actors.
Critics noted the unexpected popularity of the film "Anora" at the Oscars, indicating it was likely positioned to capitalize on Borisov's rising fame. The circumstances surrounding this year's awards ceremony reflect larger conversations about representation, identity, and public perception within the ever-evolving industry.
Reflecting on the night’s events reveals the multifaceted nature of recognition and the public’s reception of celebrity behavior. Brody’s moment of triumph has now been entangled with controversy, illustrating how one night can be remembered for both achievement and misstep. Subsequent reflections on the show will likely spark conversations about decorum at awards shows and result in discussions about the standards expected of artists.
With the Oscars offering both recognition and criticism, it is evident the paths toward acknowledgment are as diverse as the individuals honored on stage. The stories spun on such nights echo through social media and beyond, shaping the narrative around Hollywood’s glittering façade and the real-life humans behind it.