Halle Berry’s Playful ‘Payback’ Kiss to Adrien Brody at the Oscars
22 years after their unexpected on-stage kiss, Halle Berry surprises Adrien Brody with a red carpet smooch at the 2025 Academy Awards.
March 3, 2025: In a lighthearted twist at the 97th Academy Awards, Halle Berry surprised Adrien Brody with a kiss on the red carpet, playfully referencing their infamous 2003 Oscars moment. This unexpected gesture became one of the evening’s highlights, sparking nostalgia and amusement among attendees and fans alike.
The Original 2003 Incident
Back in 2003, during the 75th Academy Awards, Adrien Brody won the Best Actor award for his role in The Pianist. In his excitement, upon reaching the stage, he spontaneously kissed presenter Halle Berry—a moment that caught her and the audience off guard. Over the years, this unscripted kiss has been revisited and discussed, especially in light of evolving conversations about consent.
Halle Berry’s Playful ‘Payback’
Fast forward to 2025, Halle Berry saw an opportunity for a playful “payback.” Spotting Brody during a red carpet interview, Berry approached him, jestingly apologized to his partner, Georgina Chapman, saying, “I’m sorry, Georgina, but I’ve gotta do it,” before planting a kiss on Brody. The crowd reacted with laughter and applause, appreciating the humorous nod to their shared Oscars history.
Reactions and Reflections
Both actors have previously reflected on the 2003 incident. Adrien Brody acknowledged the spontaneity of his actions, noting that his intentions were never to cause discomfort. Halle Berry, while surprised at the time, has downplayed the seriousness of the moment in past interviews. This recent red carpet interaction showcased their camaraderie and ability to laugh about the past.
A Nostalgic Highlight of the 2025 Oscars
The 2025 Oscars were filled with memorable moments, but Berry and Brody’s red carpet kiss stood out as a delightful callback to a notable piece of Academy Awards history. It served as a reminder of the unpredictable and unscripted moments that make live events so captivating.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: Reddit, IG – theacademy