The 50-year-old actor stunned onlookers when he passionately embraced his fellow Academy Award nominee.
Day-Lewis - who was named Best Actor at Sunday's ceremony (24.02.08) - said the kiss was his way of showing his appreciation for Clooney's constant support.
He said: "George has always been there for me. Because George was the nearest fellow nominee and, I have to say, and I didn't say it at the time, that I was very proud to be included in that group of actors on this occasion.
"But also, George is just so incredibly generous. He's just a great guy. I had to kiss someone. I kissed my wife, and in the interest of parity, I kissed George!" Day-Lewis made history by becoming the first British actor to ever win two Best Actor Oscars - he first won the accolade 18 years ago for his role in 'My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown'.
In violent thriller 'There Will Be Blood', Day-Lewis stars as a turn of the century oil prospector Daniel Plainview.
As he accepted his award from Helen Mirren, who tapped him on both shoulders with the golden statue, he joked: "This is the closest I'll ever come to getting a knighthood, so thank you." He then added: "I hope that all those to whom I owe and feel the deepest gratitude will forgive me if I say, just simply, thank you all."
Pierce Brosnan is 'outrageously' kissable! Legendry actor Pierce Brosnan may not be attached to the 'James Bond' film series anymore, but he is still considered to be one of the most kissable men in Hollywood.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Oscars
George Clooney
