What did Adrien Brody say about “gross” viral Oscar moment? Actor addresses gum controversy

Adrien Brody won his second Oscar on Sunday for his role as a visionary architect in The Brutalist. The actor was up against Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Coleman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).

In his speech he said "Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous, and at certain moments it is. But the one thing that I’ve gained having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective."

He further continued:

"No matter where you are in your career, no matter 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 that I have to still do the work that I love."

Although it was a big night for Adrien Brody, it was not without controversy. As his name was announced, he made his way on stage, only to stop midway upon realizing that he still had gum in his mouth. During the live broadcast, he was seen casually taking the gum out of his mouth and tossing it at his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman. While it initially seemed like she caught it, she actually did not.

The moment sparked outrage among viewers at home, with many calling it disrespectful not only to Chapman but also to those seated nearby. Many took to social media to express their disapproval.

"no shade but adrien throwing that gum at his wife was so tacky and gross" said this person.

This user said:

"still not over adrien brody throwing his gum at his wife before his speech like is there anything we can do to make him pay for that guys"

"people chewing gum at the red carpet and during an award show is so lame. and adrien brody throwing his gum to his wife (?) while going on stage was soooo fucking embarassing" tweeted another user.

"that vid of adrien throwing out his gum for his wife to catch gives me the ick" said another user.

During an interview with Live on Kelly & Mark just a few minutes after his win, the Oscar winner tried to explain the situation.

"Gum! Because I forgot I was chewing gum, and I can't [chew gum in a] thank you speech,"

He further added:

"I could’ve swallowed it, but I didn’t think about that. I had to get rid of it somehow.”

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Adrien Brody gives the longest Oscar speech in history

Adrien Brody uniquely scripted Oscar history. On Sunday night, he delivered the longest acceptance speech in Oscar history, lasting five minutes and forty seconds. The previous record was held by British Actress, Greet Garson, who, in 1943, gave a five-minute and thirty-second acceptance speech after winning for her role in Mrs Miniver.

This incident prompted the Academy Awards to introduce a time limit for acceptance speeches. As Brody neared the end of his time, the orchestral piano started playing, signaling him to wrap up.

"Please, turn the music off. I've done this before. It's not my first rodeo, but I will be brief. I will not be egregious, I promise" said Adrien Brody promising to end his speech soon.

This win was Adrien Brody's second win. The actor won his first Academy Award in 2003 for his role in The Pianist.