Why Did Adrien Brody Kiss Halle Berry at the 2003 Oscars?

At the 2025 Oscars, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody revisited a memorable moment from Oscars history by sharing a playful kiss on the red carpet, 22 years after their controversial on-stage kiss in 2003. This time, the affectionate gesture was initiated by Berry, who approached Brody during an interview and surprised him with a kiss, stating, «I had to pay him back.»

The original incident occurred at the 2003 Oscars when Brody, upon winning Best Actor for «The Pianist,» spontaneously kissed Berry, who was presenting the award. The unplanned kiss left Berry visibly surprised and has since been a topic of discussion regarding consent and spontaneity during live events.

In the 2025 reenactment, Berry ensured that Brody’s girlfriend, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, was comfortable with the gesture. Before the kiss, Berry sought Chapman’s permission, to which Chapman responded with light-hearted approval. The trio shared a moment of laughter, highlighting the playful nature of the act.

Brody and Chapman have been publicly linked since 2019, making their relationship official on the red carpet in June 2021. They have since attended numerous high-profile events together, showcasing mutual support in their respective careers.

The Reason Why Adrien Brody Kissed Halle Berry at the Oscars

Adrien Brody’s infamous kiss with Halle Berry at the 2003 Oscars was «a spontaneous act of excitement and celebration.» At the time, Brody had just won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist, making history as the youngest actor ever to win in that category. Overcome with emotion, he impulsively grabbed Berry, who was presenting the award, and kissed her on the lips. In later interviews, Brody explained that the moment was unplanned and purely fueled by joy, calling it a «once-in-a-lifetime moment.» While the kiss was met with laughter and applause at the time, it has since been reexamined in discussions about consent in Hollywood.