History has a way of repeating itself—especially at the Oscars. A shocking red carpet moment between two Academy Award winners sent Hollywood into a frenzy, reviving a decades-old headline-grabbing moment.
Halle Berry stunned the crowd at the 2025 Academy Awards by recreating one of the most talked-about moments in Oscars history. The 58-year-old actress surprised “The Brutalist” star Adrien Brody with a kiss on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
As Berry interrupted Brody’s conversation with reporters, she turned to his partner, Georgina Chapman, and said, “I’m sorry, Georgina, but I’ve gotta do it.” She then wrapped an arm around Brody’s neck, gripped his shoulder, and kissed him. Onlookers reacted with a mix of shock and excitement, cheering as Brody quickly embraced Berry to play along.
Berry’s bold move has since ignited a hot debate online. One person criticized the moment, writing, “Of course a certain group of women don’t have a problem with this. It’s disrespectful.” Another called it “inappropriate and standard in Hollyweird.” Some, however, saw the humor in it, with one commenter saying, “On the lips is crazy😂.”
The online debate only intensified as more reactions flooded in. Some viewers questioned the timing and setting of the kiss, arguing that it was inappropriate given that Brody’s partner was present.
One person remarked, “Well, I just think it was kind of done in poor taste in front of his partner.” The person then asked, “How would you feel if somebody did that to you? You know that’s messed up.” Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “In front of his other half? He’s crazy or she’s laughing in anger.”
Others found the moment uncomfortable, describing it as “awkward” and “strange.” One user was more direct, stating, “I think that was rude and disrespectful to his girlfriend.” Another added, “Super cringe, especially with his girlfriend standing right there. Bet she didn’t appreciate that.”
While some saw the kiss as a lighthearted throwback, these reactions made it clear that not everyone viewed it the same way.
For Berry, the kiss was all in good fun. She joked that it was “payback” for Brody’s infamous move at the 2003 Oscars. “I’ve been dying to pay him back for 22 years,” she said. “Now I got a chance to pay him back on his big night.”
Although Brody appeared momentarily surprised, he didn’t seem to mind. He grinned at Berry and embraced her again as his partner, Chapman, clapped.
The two first made headlines at the Oscars over two decades ago. In 2003, Berry took the stage to present the Best Actor award. After announcing Brody as the winner of “The Pianist,” she was met with an unexpected response.
As Brody arrived on stage, he swept her into a deep kiss, holding the moment for several seconds before finally letting go. “I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag,” he quipped before beginning his speech.
Berry, visibly stunned, wiped her mouth as the cameras rolled, making the moment one of the ceremony’s most unforgettable. Two decades later, the actress got her revenge. Her playful gesture may have sparked debate, but for Berry, it was nothing more than a lighthearted nod to their shared Oscars history.
Despite the online debate, Brody’s longtime partner, fashion designer Chapman, didn’t seem fazed by the moment. In fact, she took it all in stride. When asked about the kiss, she responded with a laugh, “How can you deny a man a kiss with Halle Berry?” When reminded that Berry had said she was fine with it, Chapman playfully added, “He was more than fine.”
Chapman and Brody have been together for years, with their romance first going public at the Tribeca Festival in June 2021. However, the two initially connected at a party in 2019.
An insider told Us Weekly in 2023 that Adrien Brody is “the most supportive partner” to Chapman, adding, “He’s never judged her for past relationships and is always empathetic and caring.”
The source also praised Brody’s bond with Chapman’s children, calling him “amazing” and a “positive light.” With Chapman showing no signs of concern over the Oscars moment, it seems the couple took the viral kiss in stride—unlike some of the more vocal online critics.