Two decades after delivering one of the most unexpected and unforgettable moments in Oscar history, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody are back at it — but this time, Berry is the one planting the kiss. On the 2025 Oscars red carpet, Berry surprised Brody with a playful smooch, officially turning the tables after their infamous onstage kiss at the 2003 Academy Awards. And if anyone thought time would dull their flair for dramatics, think again.
Berry, who’s presenting at this year’s ceremony, couldn’t resist the opportunity to reclaim the narrative — and do it with style. Spotting Brody, now a nominee for his role in The Brutalist, Berry made a beeline for her former co-star in Oscar history and planted one right on him. With cameras flashing and reporters scrambling, it was a full-circle moment that no one saw coming — except maybe Berry herself.
“That was one hell of a night for him, and for me as well,” Berry laughed in her chat with Variety’s Marc Malkin on the red carpet. “I’ve seen him at parties here and there, but this? This was the first time since that night that we’ve been on the carpet together. I couldn’t let the moment pass.”
A Kiss That Launched a Thousand Headlines
The original 2003 Oscars kiss wasn’t just any kiss — it was a jaw-dropping, world-stopping, “Did that just happen?” moment. Halle Berry, fresh off her historic Best Actress win the year before, was presenting Best Actor to Adrien Brody when, out of nowhere, Brody swooped in and kissed her full on the mouth. Berry’s wide-eyed reaction instantly became meme material (even before memes were a thing).
What made it all the more unforgettable was the spontaneity. There was no rehearsal, no warning, and certainly no approval. Brody, overwhelmed by the sheer insanity of winning for The Pianist, just went for it. And Berry, ever the professional, laughed it off — but the moment would follow both of them for the next two decades. It was shocking, awkward, and instantly iconic.
In the years since, the infamous kiss has been reevaluated through today’s cultural lens — a time where boundaries and consent have rightfully taken center stage. Brody, for his part, reflected on it in a recent Variety cover story, emphasizing that it was never intended to make anyone uncomfortable. “We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing,” Brody said. “I’ve never done anything with the intention of making anyone feel bad.”
A Public Reunion with Playful Payback
This year’s red carpet reunion had none of the awkwardness and all of the charm. Berry wasn’t just paying Brody back — she was reclaiming the moment, taking control, and rewriting history with her own twist. It was playful, warm, and filled with the kind of chemistry that only two people who’ve shared a wildly unexpected viral moment can understand.
Berry’s decision to kiss Brody wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was a testament to her confidence — a signal that she’s not just the woman on the receiving end of a surprise kiss anymore. This time, she was the one initiating the viral moment, and she did it with style, humor, and a knowing wink to the audience. It was lighthearted, but also a subtle nod to how much times have changed.
And Brody? He was all smiles. With his Brutalist nomination and a career renaissance under his belt, Brody was happy to play along. As Berry joked about “paying him back,” Brody laughed, fully embracing the full-circle nature of the moment. What could have been awkward felt easy and genuine — a sign that both stars have not only moved on from the past but found a way to turn it into a punchline they both can share.
Two Stars, Two Careers, One Unforgettable Legacy
While their paths have diverged since that night in 2003, Berry and Brody’s careers have continued to flourish — albeit in very different ways. Brody’s The Brutalist has made him a major player this awards season, with his portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor earning him critical acclaim and a well-deserved Oscar nomination. His performance anchors a film that has already racked up 10 nominations, proving that Brody’s talent and range haven’t gone anywhere.
Berry, meanwhile, continues to make history. Over two decades since her Monster’s Ball win, she remains the only Black woman to ever win Best Actress at the Oscars — a fact that’s both inspiring and infuriating in equal measure. She’s used her platform to advocate for inclusion, call out Hollywood’s lack of progress, and continue making bold career moves both in front of and behind the camera.
Their reunion wasn’t just about nostalgia or viral moments — it was a reminder that careers, reputations, and even infamous kisses can evolve. What was once controversial can become charming, and what was once awkward can turn into something empowering. For Berry and Brody, the 2025 Oscars was more than a red carpet reunion. It was proof that time, humor, and a little bit of boldness can rewrite any story.