The long-awaited moment during the 2025 Oscars brought both excitement and nostalgia as Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated one of the most controversial moments from the awards show two decades ago. The stars met on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, before the ceremony, and shared an unexpected kiss reminiscent of the infamous one from the 2003 Oscars, where Brody had shocked viewers by kissing Berry on stage right after winning the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist.
This year, Adrien Brody, now 51, had returned to the Oscars not only to honor the past but also to celebrate his latest performance, which earned him another Oscar nomination for his work in O Brutalista. “I bet they didn’t tell you this was in the gift bag,” he joked, reminiscing about the spontaneous kiss during his earlier win, as he and Berry laughed about the memory.
Halle Berry, who presented Brody's award back in 2003, was caught off guard by the kiss then, and has now openly reflected on the situation. She stated, “Winning the Oscar is such a whirlwind of emotions, and when he kissed me, I didn’t really understand the impact it would have at the time,” expressing both surprise and grace about the incident.
The kiss had turned heads back then, generating significant media coverage. Critics pointed to the lack of consent, which contributed to conversations around appropriate conduct. Brody later explained, “Today we live in a much more conscious world, which is great. Nothing I've done has ever been meant to hurt anyone.” His comments highlight how societal expectations and conversations around consent have evolved over the years since his 2003 kiss.
During the 2025 Oscars, Brody's playful reenactment wasn't just for show; it was his way of acknowledging the past and how perceptions have shifted. Moments after their red carpet interaction, Berry interrupted Brody’s interview with Access Hollywood to plant another kiss on him. “Sorry, Georgina, but I really had to do this,” she said, referring to Brody's girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, to whom she extended apologies after the spontaneous moment.
This playful exchange was met with laughter from the media and fans watching at home, illustrating the warm spirit at the event. The reunion of Berry and Brody brings to light not only nostalgia for the past but also the conversations around consent and personal space, which have changed dramatically over the past two decades. The audience remains captivated, as both stars embraced the awkwardness and fun of the moment, transcending previous controversies.
After their kiss, the ceremony proceeded to celebrate the best achievements of the past year, with the film Anora stealing the spotlight by winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The overall mood was celebratory, with many stars taking to the stage to express gratitude for their cinematic work.
Adrien Brody's Best Actor win for The Brutalista solidified his return to the forefront amid the accolades and discussions. “I’m thrilled to be here,” he shared during his acceptance speech. “Artistic expressions are reflective of times and experiences, and I’m proud to have contributed to this year’s cinema.”
Berry's appearance and interaction with Brody perfectly illustrated how the industry has changed, adapting to the new norms of communication and representation. Watching these two icons share lighthearted moments allowed attendees to reflect on how their relationships have grown and evolved amid their respective careers.
The Oscars continue to serve as more than just awards; they provide a platform for addressing societal changes and recognizing the importance of conversation around themes such as consent, respect, and emotional expression within the entertainment world.
With their anecdote of the 2003 kiss acting as both a playful reminder and serious reflection, Berry and Brody's reenactment serves as symbolic of the respect and openness the industry aims to cultivate now—an interesting confluence of sentimentality, accountability, and showbiz charm displayed at the 2025 ceremony.
This year’s Oscars not only honored the amazing accomplishments of artists but also traced back fun memories, such as those of Brody and Berry, serving as illustrative traces of how far the industry has come, and how it continues to grow.