The Academy Awards, a globally recognized and widely watched awards ceremony, is known not only for celebrating cinematic excellence but also for unexpected moments of drama and emotion.
Over the years, it has become the stage for countless memorable incidents – some uplifting, some controversial.
One such moment occurred in 2000, when Angelina Jolie, fresh from winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Girl, Interrupted,” sparked a media frenzy with a surprising gesture of affection toward her brother James Haven.
This act not only made headlines around the world but also drew attention to the complexity of the public and private lives of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
The kiss that made headlines
In 2000, Angelina Jolie won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in “Girl, Interrupted.” During her acceptance speech, she expressed her love for her brother James, who was by her side. After the ceremony, Jolie leaned in and kissed Haven on the lips while posing for pictures, sparking a media frenzy.
Jolie’s explanation: “brotherly love”
According to LADBible, the kiss sparked widespread criticism and speculation. Months later, Jolie clarified that it was simply an act of “brotherly love,” stating, “My parents really loved that moment and it will always matter.”
James Haven’s perspective
James Haven also commented on the kiss in a 2007 interview, explaining, “I didn’t give Angie a French kiss. It was something simple and beautiful.” He noted that he congratulated her on the win and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, which unfortunately “burst and became a big thing”.
About James Haven
James Haven, Angelina Jolie’s older brother, is a film producer and director. He directed several short films and documentaries, including a documentary about his sister called “Trudell”. He also served as an executive producer on some of Jolie’s films, including “By the Sea.”
A close and supportive relationship
Angelina Jolie has always been open about her deep affection for her older brother James Haven. Throughout their lives, they consistently supported each other, often appearing together at public events and premieres. Their bond was a source of strength for both of them, especially after the loss of their mother. In a 2007 interview, Haven shared, “When I first lost my mother, I couldn’t stop crying. Luckily, I was with Angie when we heard. It was such a big moment.”
ShA passion for film and humanitarian work
James Haven, like his sister, has a passion for film. He worked as an actor, director, and producer, participating in projects such as “Gia”, “Original Sin” and the documentary film “Trudell”. He also shares Jolie’s commitment to humanitarian causes and credits his sister for inspiring him to become involved in human rights issues. “Angie was the catalyst,” he told Marie Claire in 2007. “She said, ‘I just heard this is happening in Darfur,’ and I’d like to get involved.”
Protective uncle
Haven is also a devoted uncle to Jolie’s six children. He has been open about his close relationship with his nieces and nephews and expressed his desire to protect and support them as they grow into young adults. In a recent podcast interview, he stated, “Whenever I’m blessed to be in their presence, I want to be there.” His love and devotion to his family is evident in his words and actions.
Beyond the Kiss: More Controversial Moments
A kiss with her brother was not the only unconventional act attributed to Angelina Jolie. During her marriage to Billy Bob Thornton, the couple wore vials of each other’s blood around their necks. The act, while considered bizarre by many, was described by Thornton as “interesting and romantic”. He likened it to wearing a baby hair locket.
The kiss between Angelina Jolie and James Haven remains an unforgettable moment in Oscar history. Although it was a display of affection between siblings, it caused controversy and debate due to its public nature and unusual display of affection.
The Academy Awards, a globally watched ceremony that celebrates the best in film, has often been the site of memorable moments – both triumphant and controversial. One such moment came in 2000, when Angelina Jolie made headlines for kissing her brother James Haven after winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Girl, Interrupted.” This public display of affection was unexpected and attracted widespread attention, creating a media frenzy and raising questions about family dynamics and public behavior.
Angelina Jolie’s acceptance speech revealed her deep love for her brother, who was by her side during the event. After her win, the siblings posed for a photo, and in a spontaneous act of closeness, Jolie leaned in and kissed Haven on the lips. The reaction was swift – criticism and speculation flooded the media, with many questioning the appropriateness of such a gesture between siblings in the public eye. In response to the backlash, Jolie explained that the kiss was simply an expression of “brotherly love” and emphasized that it was a moment of personal meaning for their family.
James Haven also commented on the incident, noting that the kiss was short and innocent, a simple gesture of congratulations. In a 2007 interview, Haven explained, “I didn’t French kiss Angie. It was something simple and beautiful.” He made it clear that the kiss was a moment of genuine affection, not a provocative act as portrayed by the media. Haven suggested that the reaction to the kiss was blown out of proportion, mainly because the cameras caught it in an unusually intimate moment.
James Haven, Angelina Jolie’s older brother, is more than just a family member—he’s a significant part of her life and career. As a film producer, director, and actor, he has been involved in various projects, including documentaries and films such as “Gia” and “By the Sea”. Their close relationship is evident in the support they offer each other publicly and privately. Jolie has often spoken of the importance of family in her life, and her bond with Haven reflects a shared passion for film and humanitarian work. Haven also shares Jolie’s determination to make a difference, particularly through his involvement in humanitarian causes.
The kiss controversy was not the only unusual public act associated with Jolie. During her marriage to Billy Bob Thornton, the couple shocked many by wearing vials of each other’s blood around their necks – an act Thornton described as “interesting and romantic”. Despite the attention these actions have attracted, both Jolie and Haven have remained unapologetic about their close relationship and the ways they express their love for each other.
The kiss between Angelina Jolie and James Haven remains an unforgettable moment in Oscar history. Although it was a spontaneous and personal gesture, it sparked debate due to its public nature and unusual display of affection. The reaction highlighted the challenges celebrities face in keeping private moments in the public eye, and how personal relationships can become the subject of intense media scrutiny. Despite the controversy, the siblings’ bond seems to be strong as they continue to support each other in both their careers and personal lives.