Halle Berry made headlines during the 2025 Oscars when she shared a passionate kiss with Adrien Brody, reigniting memories from the past and causing quite the stir. The incident occurred as the two actors reunited on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles during the 97th Academy Awards ceremony on March 3, 2025. This kiss was not just spontaneous; it was steeped in history.
At the heart of the moment was the infamous occurrence at the 2003 Oscars when Brody surprised everyone, including Berry, by kissing her after winning the award for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist. This year's kiss was Berry's way of playfully returning the favor—or, as she put it, repaying her "debt." She approached Brody, who stood alongside his girlfriend Georgina Chapman, and stated, "Sorry, Georgina, but I have to do this" before planting the kiss on Brody's lips.
The audience and social media erupted with excitement and nostalgia at this unexpected moment. Some viewers initially criticized Berry for what they deemed disrespectful behavior toward Chapman, but it soon became clear the incident was jovially sanctioned, as Chapman was seen laughing uproariously at the kiss.
Despite the playful intention behind the kiss, reactions varied. Social media users were quick to reminisce about the 2003 Oscars, sharing clips and memes from both events. Berry's repartee with Chapman about the kiss, acknowledging the light-hearted nature of her act, highlighted the camaraderie shared between the women present.
Meanwhile, the ceremony kicked off with its usual glitz and glamour on the red carpet, where celebrities displayed their unique fashion choices. Timothée Chalamet, for example, donned a bright yellow outfit reminiscent of butter, which captured the attention of online critics. Yura Borisov, who represented Russian talent, humorously retorted to director Sean Baker calling him "the Russian Ryan Gosling, his secret weapon," by stating, "I'm not weapon—I’m human."
John Lithgow, sitting nearby, also became the subject of discussion after his "disappointed face" during the ceremony was turned quickly to meme status by eagle-eyed social media users. Host Conan O'Brien addressed Lithgow's expression, reminding nominated actors to keep their acceptance speeches brief and lively.
The evening was filled with heartfelt moments as well, such as Zoe Saldaña's emotional acceptance speech, where she expressed gratitude toward her immigrant parents and paid tribute to her late grandmother, moving the audience.
Berry’s kiss, far from being just a whimsical act, evoked the spirit of Oscar tradition, bringing past and present together. The playful homage reflected both actors' ability to embrace their Hollywood history humorously and touchingly. Although Brody and Berry have shared this significant moment multiple times publicly, the 2025 Oscars showcased their light-spirited exchange, marking it as one of the most memorable highlights of the night.
Beyond just the kiss, the entire ceremony celebrated creativity, talent, and nostalgia surrounding long-standing Hollywood friendships. Both the emotional ties and humorous encounters throughout the event forged lasting impressions, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with the magic of cinema. From Berry's kiss to Saldaña's tears, the Oscars encapsulated the complex spectrum of human emotion and connection, making this year’s ceremony particularly special.