At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Adrien Brody’s actions during his acceptance of the Best Actor award for his role in “The Brutalist” drew significant attention and criticism from viewers and media alike.
The Gum Incident
As Brody ascended the stage to accept his award, he abruptly turned back toward his partner, Georgina Chapman, and tossed his chewing gum in her direction. Chapman attempted to catch it, but the gum fell to the ground, leading to an awkward moment that was captured on live television. This act was widely perceived as disrespectful, with many viewers expressing their disapproval on social media platforms. One viewer demanded, “arrest Adrien Brody for hurling his gum at his wife at the Oscars,” while another simply labeled the act as “gross.”
Brody’s Explanation
In a subsequent interview on “Live With Kelly & Mark,” Brody addressed the incident, explaining that he had forgotten he was chewing gum and, in the spur of the moment, felt the need to dispose of it before delivering his speech. He stated, “I forgot I was chewing,” attempting to downplay the situation as an inadvertent lapse.
The Acceptance Speech
Following the gum incident, Brody delivered an acceptance speech that lasted nearly six minutes, significantly longer than the typical duration allotted for such speeches. During his remarks, he reflected on his personal journey, addressed issues of racism and antisemitism, and expressed gratitude toward his parents and Chapman. He acknowledged Chapman’s children, Dash and India, saying, “I know this has been a roller coaster, but thank you for accepting me into your life.”
Audience and Media Reactions
The extended length of Brody’s speech, coupled with his dismissal of the orchestra’s cue to conclude, led to further criticism. Many viewers found the speech self-indulgent, with comments such as, “Adrien Brody’s speech is gonna have an intermission,” referencing the intermission in “The Brutalist,” and, “Sorry Adrien Brody but you should have enough perspective to know that you need to wrap it up – this is so self-indulgent.”
Historical Context
This is not the first time Brody’s behavior at the Oscars has sparked controversy. In 2003, after winning Best Actor for “The Pianist,” he spontaneously kissed presenter Halle Berry without prior consent, a moment that has since been re-evaluated critically in light of evolving discussions about consent and appropriate conduct.
Conclusion
Adrien Brody’s actions at the 2025 Oscars, from the gum-tossing incident involving Georgina Chapman to his prolonged acceptance speech, have ignited discussions about decorum and respect during high-profile events. While Brody has attempted to explain his behavior, public and media reactions suggest a broader conversation about expectations and professionalism in such settings.
