The Controversial Oscar Kiss Returns: Halle Berry Shakes Up the Red Carpet by Forcibly Kissing Adrien Brody and Declaring, ‘I Owe Him’

A Shocking Red Carpet Moment That Revives a 2003 Oscars Memory

The Academy Awards have always been a stage for memorable moments, whether it be historic wins, emotional speeches, or surprising on-stage interactions. But few moments have left as lasting an impression as the now-iconic kiss between Adrien Brody and Halle Berry at the 2003 Oscars. Fast forward to 2025, and Berry has reignited the conversation by planting an unexpected kiss on Brody during a red carpet interview, playfully declaring, “I owe him.”

The moment occurred as Brody was giving an interview ahead of the ceremony. Just as the conversation was flowing, Berry surprised him with a spontaneous kiss, catching both the audience and Brody himself off guard. Laughing, she told Variety’s Marc Malkin, “That was a great night for him—and for me. Being a part of that moment was special. Tonight, I had to return the favor.”

Adrien Brody’s Big Night at the Oscars 2025

While the kiss stole headlines, the night was even more significant for Adrien Brody, who walked away with his second Best Actor Oscar. Brody’s leading role as László Tóth in “The Brutalist” had already garnered critical acclaim, and on March 2, 2025, his performance was officially recognized by the Academy.

The film also won Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, further cementing its status as one of the most celebrated films of the year. The 51-year-old actor was up against formidable competition, including Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan.

In his acceptance speech, Brody expressed gratitude to his loved ones. “I share this with my wonderful partner, Georgina, who has not only restored my confidence but also helped me recognize my worth and values,” he said emotionally. “To her beautiful children, to my parents, and to the art of storytelling—this is for all of you.”

Halle Berry’s Stunning Return to the Oscars

While Brody had his own triumphant night, Halle Berry also made waves at the 2025 Academy Awards. The actress, who made history in 2002 as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award, delivered a special tribute to the James Bond franchise.

Dressed in a shimmering Christian Siriano gown, Berry exuded old-Hollywood glamour, her sleek bob hairstyle adding to the elegance. The tribute featured a stellar lineup of Lisa from BLACKPINK, Margaret Qualley, Raye, and Doja Cat, who performed a dazzling rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, in honor of the legendary spy films.

Reflecting on her historic 2002 Oscars win, Berry expressed her hope for change in Hollywood. Speaking on Trevor Noah’s podcast, she admitted that while her victory was groundbreaking, she was disappointed that no other Black actress had won the Best Actress award in the more than two decades since.

“I hope this year, we finally see someone standing next to me in that category,” Berry stated. “I’ve carried this space alone for far too long.”

The Kiss That Started It All: Revisiting the 2003 Oscars

For those who may not remember, Adrien Brody’s Oscar win in 2003 for The Pianist was notable not just for the award itself, but for what happened right after. In one of the most talked-about moments in Oscar history, Brody celebrated his victory by grabbing Halle Berry and passionately kissing her as she presented him with the award.

The unexpected nature of the kiss divided opinions—some found it to be a bold and charming moment, while others questioned whether it was appropriate or consensual. In later interviews, Berry admitted she was surprised but decided to just go with it in the moment.

Looking back, Brody defended the kiss, claiming, “There was no ill intent; I was just overcome with emotion.” However, as discussions about boundaries and consent have evolved in recent years, the moment has been revisited in a different light.

Social Media Reacts to Halle Berry’s “Payback” Kiss

The internet was quick to explode with reactions following Berry’s red carpet stunt. Some fans praised the actress for her sense of humor and playfulness, while others pointed out the double standard in public displays of affection.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “If Adrien Brody had done that today, there would be outrage. But when Berry does it, it’s playful?” Another commented, “This is hilarious. I love Halle Berry for leaning into the moment.”

However, some felt the kiss was unnecessary, questioning whether Brody had been caught off guard. While the actor took it in stride, it reignited debates over consent and public interactions in Hollywood.

A Historic Night for Representation at the Oscars

Beyond the headline-making moments, the 2025 Oscars were notable for their increased diversity and inclusion. While Berry hoped to see a new Black Best Actress winner, the night did celebrate many actors of color across various categories.

The wins by Colman Domingo for “Rustin” and Raye for Best Original Song highlighted the shifting landscape of the film industry, where underrepresented voices are finally getting their due.

For Berry, the night was about more than just a fun red carpet moment—it was about continuing to push for change in Hollywood.

What’s Next for Halle Berry and Adrien Brody?

With the 2025 Oscars behind them, both stars have exciting projects ahead. Halle Berry is set to direct and star in the upcoming action thriller “Mothership 2”, a sequel to her hit Netflix sci-fi film. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody has several new roles lined up, including a leading part in Martin Scorsese’s next film.

While the red carpet kiss may have stolen the spotlight momentarily, it’s clear that both Berry and Brody remain powerhouses in Hollywood. Whether their next meeting will involve another unexpected kiss remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—their legacy in the film industry is far from over.

Conclusion: A Kiss, A Win, and A Legacy

The 2025 Academy Awards proved to be an unforgettable night, with Adrien Brody’s big win, Halle Berry’s tribute to James Bond, and of course, the red carpet kiss that reignited a two-decade-old Oscars moment.

As Hollywood continues to evolve, the conversation around representation, consent, and inclusivity remains ongoing. Whether it’s through breaking barriers like Berry’s historic Oscar win or through playful red carpet antics, the impact of these actors continues to be felt.

One thing is for sure—when it comes to creating iconic Hollywood moments, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody seem to have a knack for stealing the show.