Angelina Jolie’s Memorable Kiss with Brother James at the Oscars 21 Years Ago

It was a moment that captivated the world two decades ago when Angelina Jolie shared a kiss with her brother, James Haven, at the prestigious Academy Awards, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture history.

The year was 2000 when the siblings graced the Oscar ceremony to honor Jolie, then a 24-year-old actress, for her outstanding performance as Lisa Rowe in the psychological drama “Girl, Interrupted.”

Despite being a relatively fresh face in the film industry, she had already clinched a Golden Globe win and an Emmy nomination for her role as the late model Gia Marie Carangi in the HBO biopic “Gia.”

On that memorable night, Jolie added an Oscar to her accolades, triumphantly winning the Best Supporting Actress award.

Stepping onto the stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, she stood among acting luminaries such as Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise.

Beginning her acceptance speech with a lighthearted remark, she playfully acknowledged her surprise at the lack of fainting occurrences before expressing her love for her brother Haven, then 26.

In a candid moment, Jolie confessed, “I'm in shock, and I'm so in love with my brother right now,” followed by a nervous chuckle.

She gratefully mentioned his support and affectionately thanked him amidst the glitz and glamour of the star-studded event.

Later, at the Vanity Fair afterparty, Jolie captured attention as she posed with her coveted award alongside her brother.

The siblings briefly shared a kiss on the lips, a fleeting gesture that made headlines in newspapers the next day and graced magazine covers in the subsequent days.

Melissa Rivers, reflecting on that iconic moment, described it as a bold and sensual act not typically witnessed at the Oscars.

She emphasized the striking presence of the duo amidst the traditional elegance of the event, noting their unique allure that captivated observers.

Addressing the buzz surrounding the kiss, Jolie clarified in June 2000 that her bond with Haven was purely familial and devoid of any romantic connotations.

She underscored the importance of her parents' approval and the enduring love shared within their family unit, paying homage to her actor parents, Marcheline Bertrand and Jon Voight.

Despite the lingering interest in the kiss incident, Jolie and Haven reiterated over the years that their affection was purely platonic and rooted in sibling love.

Haven, in a statement to the Daily Mail in March 2007, emphasized the simplicity and warmth of the gesture, highlighting its innocent nature amid the media frenzy that ensued.

Subsequently, Jolie embarked on significant life milestones, including marriage to Brad Pitt, with whom she raised six children before their separation in 2016.

Throughout her personal journey, she has maintained a strong bond with Haven, evident through his presence at pivotal moments in her life, from her wedding to major film premieres.

Haven's close relationship with Jolie's children further underscores the enduring familial ties that define their connection beyond the fleeting spotlight of Hollywood.