The 2025 Oscars not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also drew controversy when Best Actor winner Adrien Brody made a questionable gesture. During the ceremony, critics condemned Brody for throwing his gum at his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, an act that attracted significant negative attention and overshadowed his victory.
According to the Daily Mail, Adrien Brody’s unprompted action during his Oscar win has sparked widespread backlash.
The incident occurred shortly before Brody delivered his acceptance speech, having won for his role in "The Brutalist". As the 51-year-old actor walked to the stage, he removed his chewing gum and threw it towards Chapman, who was sitting in the audience. Chapman caught the gum, moments before Brody began thanking those who supported him throughout his career.
Earlier in the evening, Brody shared a tender moment on the red carpet with his parents, Sylvia Plachy and Elliot Brody. He was particularly emotional, kissing his mother on the forehead. These family interactions highlighted the significant role his family plays in his life.
The announcement of the Best Actor category was made by Cillian Murphy, the previous year's winner. This year’s nominees alongside Brody included Timothee Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Sebastian Stan, and Ralph Fiennes, all notable talents in their own right.
When his name was announced, Brody appeared visibly moved by the win, which marked his second Oscar. His first was for his performance in "The Pianist".
In his acceptance speech, Brody expressed gratitude towards those close to him, including Chapman. He acknowledged her and their two children warmly, referring to himself affectionately as "Popsie", a term of endearment used by his children. Despite the loving acknowledgments, many fans felt that Brody missed an opportunity to apologize for the gum-throwing incident.
Fan reactions poured in quickly on social media, with some suggesting that Brody could have used his speech to express regret for the gum-throwing act. These fans expressed extreme surprise and dissatisfaction, with some even humorously suggesting that such behavior should warrant an arrest.
"Winning an award like this 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 so that the next 20 years of my life, I can prove that I am worthy of such meaningful, important and relevant roles," Brody stated in his speech.
The repercussions of Brody's actions were immediate, overshadowing his professional accomplishment. News outlets and social media platforms buzzed with discussions and criticisms of the incident, highlighting the impact of public behavior on celebrity images.
"Adrien brody could’ve used his long speech to apologize to his partner for throwing gum at her," noted one fan, while others echoed similar sentiments, questioning the appropriateness of his actions on such a prestigious platform.
As Brody reflects on the events of the night, his emotional journey—from the highs of receiving an Oscar to the lows of public scrutiny—illustrates the unpredictable nature of live events and a moment he could have handled differently. Despite the flare-up, Brody’s talent as an actor remains undeniable, but this incident will likely linger in public memory as much as his performance in "The Brutalist".
