Adrien Brody has addressed the criticism surrounding his unexpected and widely debated action at the 2025 Academy Awards. 

The 51-year-old actor took home his second Oscar for Best Actor, winning for his performance in The Brutalist. 

His victory saw him surpass strong contenders such as Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Sebastian Stan, and Ralph Fiennes.

However, his on-stage actions and acceptance speech stirred controversy among viewers.

The Gum-Throwing Incident

As Brody was announced as the winner, he appeared emotional while making his way to the stage. 

However, a surprising moment occurred when he turned around, took a piece of gum out of his mouth, and tossed it toward his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman. Chapman, who was previously married to disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, attempted to catch the gum but failed. The unexpected act drew criticism from viewers, with many calling it “gross” and “inappropriate” for such a prestigious event.

Social media erupted with reactions, with some questioning Brody’s lack of decorum at a formal ceremony. The moment was widely discussed online, with many debating whether it was a lighthearted joke or simply disrespectful.

Adrien Brody Defends His Actions

Following the backlash, Brody addressed the situation during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark. When asked about the gum incident, he responded, “I could’ve swallowed it, but I didn’t think about that. I had to get rid of it somehow.” His explanation, however, did little to change the minds of critics who felt the gesture was inappropriate for the occasion.

Chapman later admitted in a separate interview that she did not catch the gum. Despite the controversy, she did not appear to take offense, standing by Brody as he celebrated his career-defining achievement.

Criticism Over His Acceptance Speech

In addition to the gum-throwing incident, Brody faced further scrutiny for what some deemed a “rude” and “self-indulgent” acceptance speech. After taking the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, he began his speech with a message of gratitude, thanking God and acknowledging the support he had received throughout his career.

“Thank you, God. Thank you for this blessed life,” he began. “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 then reflected on the fragility of an acting career, acknowledging that success can be fleeting. “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,” he said.

Brody also used his platform to touch on social issues, calling for a “healthier, happier, and more inclusive world.” He spoke about the lingering effects of war, systemic oppression, anti-Semitism, and racism, urging people to learn from the past to prevent hatred from going unchecked.

Audience Reaction and Speech Cut Short

While some in attendance applauded Brody’s words, others felt the speech was overly long and unfocused. The Oscars production team began playing music to signal that he needed to wrap up, but Brody waved them off, saying, “I will wrap this up, please turn the music off, it’s not my first rodeo.”

He continued, thanking his parents, who were present in the audience, for instilling in him the values of respect and kindness. “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,” he said.

Despite mixed reactions, Brody’s second Oscar win remains a milestone in his career. His first Academy Award victory was in 2003 for The Pianist, making him one of the few actors to have won multiple Best Actor Oscars.

A Night to Remember

Although his performance in The Brutalist was widely praised, Brody’s actions at the 2025 Oscars have become a major talking point. Whether it was an unfortunate misstep or simply a case of humor gone wrong, his night at the Academy Awards will be remembered for more than just his win.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.