The Oscars have always been a place for Hollywood’s biggest stars to shine, but it’s also where some of the most unforgettable—and controversial—moments take place. One such moment happened in 2000, when Angelina Jolie shared a surprising kiss with her brother, James Haven, during her celebration for winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The incident caused a media frenzy and left many wondering about the story behind this infamous kiss. Let’s explore what led up to that moment and what it revealed about Jolie’s close relationship with her brother.

The Kiss That Shocked Hollywood

In 2000, Angelina Jolie took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Girl, Interrupted. During her acceptance speech, she expressed her deep love and admiration for her brother, James Haven, who had accompanied her to the ceremony. Later, as they posed for pictures, Jolie turned to Haven and kissed him on the lips, sparking immediate media buzz. Photos and headlines were plastered everywhere, leaving fans and critics alike speculating about the meaning behind this public display of affection.

Angelina’s Explanation: A Display of “Brotherly Love”

The public reaction was swift and intense. Some questioned the nature of Jolie’s relationship with her brother, while others viewed it as a sign of her “eccentric” personality. Responding to the media frenzy, Jolie later clarified her intentions, explaining that the kiss was simply an act of brotherly love. She shared that the moment had special meaning to both her and her family, saying, “My parents really loved that moment, and that’s what will always matter.”

For Jolie, the kiss represented a genuine, unfiltered display of affection for her sibling, someone she has always been close to and leaned on throughout her life. However, the public nature of the kiss and its timing—on the heels of an Oscar win—helped cement the moment as one of the most talked-about red carpet events.

James Haven’s Perspective on the Kiss

James Haven, Jolie’s older brother, has also weighed in on the infamous kiss. In a 2007 interview, he clarified that it was far from an intimate gesture, saying, “I did not give Angie a French kiss. It was something simple and lovely.” He explained that he was just congratulating his sister on her big win, and the moment was caught on camera in a way that made it seem more dramatic than it actually was.

Haven emphasized that the kiss was blown out of proportion by the media and that it was merely a quick expression of his love and support for his sister. This was a significant night for Jolie, and for Haven, sharing in her success was a natural, heartfelt response.

Who Is James Haven? A Look into Angelina’s Closest Ally

James Haven is much more than just Angelina Jolie’s older brother. He’s an actor, director, and producer, with a background in film and a passion for humanitarian causes. Like Jolie, Haven has an interest in creating projects with deep meaning and social impact. He directed the documentary Trudell, which centers on Native American rights activist John Trudell, and has supported various causes alongside his sister.

Haven shares a particularly close bond with Jolie, stemming from their early years and a shared passion for film. The two have been through a lot together, including the emotional loss of their mother, which further strengthened their connection. Haven has often spoken about how Jolie has inspired him, both personally and professionally, and they’ve collaborated on several projects over the years.

A Sibling Bond Through Tough Times

Jolie and Haven’s closeness was largely shaped by their family experiences. Growing up in the spotlight, they often relied on each other for support. When they lost their mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to cancer in 2007, Haven revealed how emotionally challenging that period was for him. He recounted that Jolie was there to console him, adding, “When I first lost my mother, I couldn’t stop crying. Fortunately, I was with Angie when we heard. It was such a big moment.”

Their relationship has continued to be a source of comfort and strength. Haven often joins Jolie at public events, and they remain an inseparable team, sharing in their respective successes and navigating the challenges of fame together.

Shared Interests: Film, Humanitarian Work, and Family

James Haven and Angelina Jolie share much more than just a family bond. They both have a passion for film and humanitarian work. Like Jolie, Haven has become involved in human rights advocacy and often credits his sister as his inspiration. He’s said that Jolie’s commitment to causes around the world has encouraged him to engage in efforts to make a difference.

Beyond their work, Haven also plays a key role in Jolie’s family life. As a devoted uncle to Jolie’s six children, he has taken an active part in their lives, expressing a desire to support them as they grow up. He’s even mentioned in interviews how much he enjoys being in their presence, describing himself as a protective figure in their lives.

Beyond the Kiss: Other Bold Moments from Angelina Jolie

While the kiss with her brother remains one of the most memorable moments in Oscars history, it’s not the only time Jolie has made headlines for bold and unconventional acts. During her marriage to actor Billy Bob Thornton, the couple famously wore vials of each other’s blood around their necks. Thornton later explained that they saw it as a “romantic” gesture, similar to wearing a locket with a loved one’s hair—a personal and unusual way to celebrate their connection.

Jolie has always been known for pushing boundaries and embracing her uniqueness. Whether it’s through her activism, personal relationships, or public appearances, she has never shied away from expressing herself fully, even when it sparks controversy.

A Moment That Defined the Oscars—and Jolie’s Public Image

The kiss between Angelina Jolie and James Haven at the 2000 Oscars remains one of the event’s most talked-about moments. While some saw it as an odd and overly intimate display, Jolie and Haven viewed it as nothing more than a natural expression of their close sibling bond. Over time, this moment has become a part of Jolie’s complex public persona—a blend of fierce independence, familial devotion, and unabashed self-expression.

Despite the backlash, Jolie has continued to focus on what matters to her, from raising her children and pursuing humanitarian work to building a career that reflects her passions and values. Her kiss with her brother may have sparked controversy, but it also underscored Jolie’s authenticity. She has always embraced her individuality, choosing to live on her own terms.

For Jolie, the moment was never about shocking the audience. It was simply a heartfelt celebration of an important night in her life, shared with someone who has been there for her through it all. And in true Angelina Jolie style, she didn’t hesitate to show the world exactly how much her family means to her.