Adrien Brody Criticized for ‘Disrespectful’ Act at the Oscars—Social Media Reacts
Adrien Brody made headlines at the Academy Awards, but not just for winning his second Oscar.
The 51-year-old actor, recognized for his stellar performance in The Brutalist, found himself at the center of controversy over an act that some viewers labeled as “disgusting.”
A Historic Win Overshadowed by Controversy
Brody, who won his first Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist, secured his second Academy Award for his portrayal of Hungarian Jewish architect László Toth in The Brutalist.
The film, which follows Toth’s struggles as an immigrant in post-war America, has been widely praised.
However, instead of celebrating his career-defining moment, social media erupted over an action that took place just before his acceptance speech.
As Brody walked up to the stage to claim his award, he was seen spitting out his chewing gum and tossing it towards his partner, Georgina Chapman.
The seemingly casual gesture quickly sparked backlash, with many online users criticizing the move as disrespectful.
Social Media Backlash: “Unacceptable Behavior”
The moment was caught on camera and immediately went viral. Viewers took to social media to express their displeasure:
“Adrien Brody could’ve used his long speech to apologize for throwing gum at his partner,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
“Did Adrien Brody really just toss his chewed gum at Georgina Chapman on his way up to receive an Oscar? That’s worse than Will Smith’s slap,” another commented.
“Imagine winning an Oscar and what people remember is you hurling your gum at your partner. Wow,” a third user remarked.
Despite the criticism, neither Brody nor Chapman have publicly addressed the incident.
A Powerful Yet Lengthy Acceptance Speech
Once on stage, Brody delivered a heartfelt speech that lasted significantly longer than the allotted 45 seconds.
He began by expressing gratitude for his career and the opportunity to portray roles that shed light on historical injustices.
However, when the production team attempted to cue the end of his speech with music, Brody refused to be cut off.
“I’m wrapping up, please, please, please. Turn the music off,” he insisted. “I’ve done this before. Thank you. It’s not my first rodeo, but I will be brief.”
During his speech, he also highlighted the importance of recognizing the lingering traumas of war, antisemitism, and systemic oppression.
“I pray for a healthier and happier world,” he stated. “If history teaches us anything, it’s that we must never let hate go unchecked.”
Brody Joins an Exclusive Club
Despite the controversy, Brody’s win solidifies his place among a prestigious group of actors who have won multiple Oscars, including Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks, and Anthony Hopkins.
The Brutalist also secured awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
While Brody’s performance in The Brutalist has been widely praised, the debate over his behavior at the Oscars continues to fuel discussion online.
Whether this incident will affect his reputation in Hollywood remains to be seen.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe the backlash against Adrien Brody is justified, or was the incident blown out of proportion? Share your thoughts in the comments!
