James Bond got his due at the 2025 Oscars.
The academy honored the beloved film franchise at Sunday night’s ceremony following the news that Amazon MGM Studios gained creative control over the movies from producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
The tribute came from former Bond girl Halle Berry. She starred as Jinx in the 2002 flick “Die Another Day.”
Halle Berry appears onstage during the the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California. REUTERS
The actress wore a gorgeous mirrored Christian Siriano gown. REUTERSBerry, 58, stepped out on the stage in a mirrored Christian Siriano gown.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Barbara and Michael on ‘Die Another Day,'” the actress said. “And let me tell you, they don’t just produce Bond movies, they were the heart and soul of this franchise for decades.
“Every generation does have its Bond, you know. The world revolves, it evolves and so does he,” she continued. “But that signature mix of danger, style and intrigue? Well, now, that’s timeless.”
Berry appeared as a Bond girl in 2002. REUTERS
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the 15th annual Governors Awards. Variety via Getty Images
Blackpink’s Lisa performs during the Oscars. REUTERSSeveral performers then hit the stage to perform songs from the franchise, including Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat and Margaret Qualley.
There have been 25 James Bond movies since 1962. The titular character has been portrayed by seven actors: Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Margaret Qualley performs during the 2025 Oscars’ James Bond tribute. REUTERS
Daniel Craig in “Casino Royale.” ©Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Berry and Pierce Brosnan in “Die Another Day.” ©MGM/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe 007 franchise has won six Oscars over the years, including Best Original Song for Adele’s “Skyfall” in 2013, Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” from “Spectre” in 2016, and Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “No Time to Die” in 2022.
None of the James Bond movies have ever been nominated for Best Picture.
Broccoli and Wilson got the rights to the franchise from their late father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, in 1995.
In November, the step-siblings received Honorary Oscars at the 2024 Governors Awards.
Wilson and Broccoli arrive on the red carpet at the 15th annual Governors Awards. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Broccoli. FilmMagicBefore the event, the duo called casting a new James Bond in the wake of Craig’s exit from the franchise “a big decision.”
“Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction,” said Wilson. “Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”
Last week, the siblings announced they would be taking a step back from the franchise: Wilson to “focus on art and charitable projects” and Broccoli to focus on “other projects.” The duo will still be co-owners of the Bond franchise, per Variety.
Craig in “Quantum of Solace.” ©MGM/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe deal reportedly cost Amazon approximately $1 billion, according to Deadline.
The news has been met with a flurry of criticism. The Post’s entertainment critic Johnny Oleksinski predicted that Amazon will produce “forgettable Bond television series and spinoff films,” calling the deal “the death of an iconic brand.”
Two former 007s have weighed in on the deal.
“My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” Craig, 57, said in a statement to Variety. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”
Dalton, 78, said he was “very, very surprised and shocked” about the sale.
