Adrien Brody addresses controversial Oscars act: 'I didn't think about that'
Adrien Brody is acknowledging backlash following a moment at the 2025 Oscars that left some eyebrows raised.
The actor, 51, was named Best Actor at the awards ceremony for his role in The Brutalist, with Brody winning over nominees Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, Sebastian Stan and Timothée Chalamet.
Upon being named as the recipient of the coveted award, Brody got up to accept it – but he also sparked some viewers' ire with one move as he took the stage.
Watch the video above.
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Adrien Brody made his way onto the stage to accept his award, thanking the audience but also raising some eyebrows with his move. Getty
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The Detachment star approached the stage before quickly removing a piece of gum from his mouth and tossing it at his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, who was seated next to him in the audience.
Chapman, who is the ex-wife of Harvey Weinstein, was then seen running up to Brody in an attempt to catch the rogue piece of gum but she ultimately missed it.
In an interview on Live with Kelly and Mark, Brody defended the interaction after some branded it controversial on social media, confessing: "I could've swallowed it, but I didn't think about that. I had to get rid of it somehow."
Brody, who also won an Oscar for Best Actor in 2003 for The Pianist, was also criticised online for his acceptance speech at this year's ceremony.
The actor hoped for a "healthier, happier, and more inclusive world" as he delivered his speech, which the Academy later cut off with its infamous music cue.
"Thank you, God. Thank you for this blessed life. If I may just humbly begin by giving thanks for the tremendous outpouring of love that I've felt from this world and every individual that has treated me with respect and appreciation. I feel so fortunate," he said.
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The star attended the event with his parents and Chapman. Getty
"Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous, and in certain moments it is, but the one thing I've gained in having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective," Brody said on stage.
He continued: "No matter where you are in your career and what you've accomplished, it can all go away, and I think what makes this night most special is the awareness of that and the gratitude I have to still do the work that I love.
"Winning an award like this, it signifies a destination and something my character references in the film, but to me it also, beyond the pinnacle of a career it is a chance to begin again and the opportunity to hopefully be fortunate enough that the next 20 years of my life I am worthy of such meaningful and important, relevant roles."
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Chapman tried to retrieve the gum thrown by Brody, but missed it when he tossed it to her. Seven/AMPAS
Brody extended his gratitude to his family, friends, and peers before the music began to play, indicating he had to wrap up his speech.
Noting he was being told to finish, Brody said, "I will wrap this up, please turn the music off, it's not my first rodeo. I have to thank my mum and dad, who are here as well.
"They've just created such a strong foundation of respect and kindness and a wonderful spirit and they've given me the strength to pursue this dream."
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"I'm here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and anti-Semitism and racism and othering," he continued.
"I believe, I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world.
The star concluded: "I believe if the past can teach us anything, it's a reminder to not let hate go unchecked."
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