Adrien Brody made Oscars history in 2003 when he surprised Halle Berry with an impromptu kiss onstage while accepting the Best Actor award for his role in “The Pianist”.
The moment, which saw Brody dip Berry dramatically before kissing her, became one of the most talked-about incidents in Oscars history. Berry, who had won the Best Actress award the previous year for “Monster’s Ball”, appeared startled but took the moment in camaraderie.
More than two decades later, Halle Berry (finally) had her chance for payback. On the red carpet at the 2025 Oscars, Berry playfully stole a kiss from Brody before the ceremony began. The lighthearted moment, captured on video, showed the two laughing and hugging, with Brody’s date, Georgina Chapman, joining in the fun. Berry later shared the clip on social media with the caption, “I had to get some payback,” accompanied by a winking emoji.
Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win
At the 2025 Oscars, Brody won his second Best Actor award, this time for his role as the fictional Hungarian architect László Tóth in “The Brutalist”. The win cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Meanwhile, Berry remains the only Black woman to have won the Best Actress Oscar, a milestone she hopes will soon be shared by others.
Halle Berry’s Call for More Diversity in Hollywood
During a recent appearance on Trevor Noah’s podcast “What Now?”, Berry expressed her desire to see more diversity in the Best Actress category. “I hope this year, someone stands next to me,” she said. “This year, I hope it happens. Because I’m tired of occupying that space alone.” Her comments though pointed, show the ongoing need for greater representation and recognition of Black women in the film industry.
A Viral Moment of Fun and Camaraderie
The playful exchange between Berry and Brody at the 2024 Oscars quickly went viral, with fans celebrating their camaraderie and good-natured humor. The moment served as a reminder of their shared history and the enduring impact of their iconic 2003 Oscars encounter.