Two decades after one of the most talked-about moments in Academy Awards history, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody reunited at the 2025 Oscars in a way that had the crowd buzzing. But this time, Berry took charge of the situation.

While Brody was mid-interview on the red carpet with Access Hollywood, Berry walked up, interrupted the conversation, and grabbed his face for a dramatic kiss. With Brody’s girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, standing nearby, Berry quipped, “Sorry, Georgina, I have to do this.” After the kiss, she pulled away and laughed, saying, “I had to pay him back.”

The moment instantly went viral, sparking memories of the now-infamous 2003 Oscars when Brody surprised Berry with an unexpected kiss onstage. But this time, it was all in good fun.

Why Did Berry and Brody Share a Kiss at the 2025 Oscars?

The 2025 Oscars red carpet was already a star-studded affair, but the Berry-Brody moment stole the spotlight. Fans quickly recognized it as a playful nod to their unforgettable 2003 Oscars moment.

Back in 2003, Brody had won Best Actor for his role in The Pianist. When he took the stage to accept the award, he impulsively grabbed Berry—who was presenting the award—and gave her an unexpected, prolonged kiss in front of millions of viewers.

At the time, the kiss sparked mixed reactions. Some saw it as a spontaneous and passionate moment of celebration, while others criticized it as inappropriate, particularly because Berry appeared caught off guard.

Now, in 2025, Berry decided it was time for a little payback—but this time, on her terms.

Video: Adrien Brody on Halle Berry Getting Oscar Kiss ‘PAYBACK’ 22 Years Later! (Exclusive)

Adrien Brody’s Reaction: Then vs. Now

Brody, who is nominated for Best Actor this year for his role in The Brutalist, took the surprise kiss in stride. He smiled and embraced Berry as the crowd cheered and laughed. Even his girlfriend, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, appeared amused by the unexpected moment.

Back in 2003, however, things were different. When Brody was asked about the kiss in interviews over the years, he reflected on how overwhelming the moment was.

“You could say time slowed down,” Brody recalled in a 2015 interview. “That was the moment where I really felt everything pause. By the time I finished kissing her, they were already flashing the ‘get off the stage’ sign.”

While Brody has always described the moment as unplanned and part of the excitement of winning his first Oscar, the conversation around consent and personal boundaries has changed significantly in the past two decades.

Halle Berry’s Take on the 2003 Oscars Kiss

Berry has never publicly claimed that the 2003 moment deeply upset her, but over the years, her comments have suggested she was surprised and not entirely comfortable with it.

In a 2017 interview on Watch What Happens Live, she admitted, “That was not planned. I knew nothing about it. I was like, ‘What the f* is happening right now?’”**

She explained that because she had just won Best Actress the year before for Monster’s Ball, she knew how overwhelming the moment could be for a winner and chose to just go with it.

Still, the 2025 red carpet moment gave Berry the perfect chance to flip the script—and she made sure to let Brody know she hadn’t forgotten.

Social Media Reacts to the Surprise Reunion

As soon as the footage hit the internet, social media platforms exploded with reactions. Fans and celebrities alike weighed in on the moment, calling it the ultimate Oscars full-circle moment.

Berry herself took to Twitter (now X) to share her thoughts, posting:
“Surpriseee @adrienbrody!! I had to get some payback.”

Some viewers praised the moment as a lighthearted and fun way to address their past Oscars history. Others used it as an opportunity to discuss how much the entertainment industry has changed in terms of respecting personal boundaries.

Adrien Brody Acknowledges Changing Times

While the 2025 kiss was all in good fun, Brody has acknowledged that the world has changed since 2003.

In a recent interview with Variety, he reflected on how society’s views on personal space and consent have evolved.

“We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing,” he said. “Nothing that I ever do or have done was ever meant to make anyone uncomfortable. I respect people’s feelings, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had.”

His response suggests that while he never meant any harm with the 2003 kiss, he understands why it became a topic of discussion over the years.

What Makes This Oscars Moment Stand Out?

Every year, the Academy Awards deliver memorable moments, but few compare to a playful callback to an iconic moment in Oscars history.

Berry and Brody’s reunion at the 2025 ceremony was more than just a red carpet stunt—it was a reminder of how much Hollywood, society, and even their own careers have evolved over the years.

For Berry, it was a chance to rewrite the past in a playful and empowering way. For Brody, it was a reminder that even the most unforgettable moments can be reimagined with the right attitude.

And for the audience? It was a reminder that the Oscars are at their best when they mix nostalgia, humor, and a touch of unpredictability.

One thing’s for sure—this unexpected red carpet kiss will be talked about for years to come, just like the original moment that started it all.