Ed Burns Reveals the Truth Behind Cameron Diaz’s Punch in ‘The Holiday’

Ed Burns is finally shedding light on one of the most talked-about moments from “The Holiday”—that unforgettable punch scene with Cameron Diaz.

The 2006 romantic comedy continues to be a cherished holiday favorite. However, nestled within its charm and cozy wintertime romance is a moment that sparked curiosity among fans: Was the punch planned in the script, or did something unexpected occur during filming?

Now, Burns is ready to set the record straight and share what really went down during that iconic moment—without holding back.

In the movie, Burns portrays a smooth-talking Hollywood music composer who blurts out his infidelity to Diaz’s character, Amanda, blaming her emotional detachment for his actions. In retaliation, Amanda delivers a surprising punch to his face.

“As Christmas approaches, I start hearing people mention ‘The Holiday!'” Ed Burns revealed to People Magazine as he reflected on the enduring appeal of the film during the holiday season. He chuckled and added, “Many folks inquire, ‘Did she actually punch you?'” And regarding the truth behind the scene? “No, she didn’t. It was all part of the movie magic.”

In 2020, Diaz opened up about the film, revealing that while she hasn’t seen the movie since it came out as a premiere, she loved how her career and success drove her character.

“Being something in the world,” she told Vulture. “And really not putting the energy and importance on this other aspect of her life — that being the thing that she really desired and hoped for and was brokenhearted over not having. And then that woman being self-sufficient and thinking that somehow, she could get away from the boyfriend who was a jerk and go take care of herself in this way that is quite brave.”

One of the most memorable and emotional scenes in “The Holiday” is when Diaz’s character, Amanda Woods, runs through the snowy English countryside. “I was running, like, seven miles a day in heels,” she told Vulture laughing. That whole scene took a week to shoot. That wasn’t even in the script.”

“They only used two shots, but we shot like ten shots of me running across ten different fields,” she added. “And I’m wearing that Valentino cashmere, wool trench coat, a turtleneck cashmere sweater.”

“The Holiday,” directed by Nancy Meyers, is a beloved romantic comedy that has become a staple of holiday movie marathons. Released in December 2006, the film blends humor, romance, and heartfelt moments against the backdrop of cozy cottages, snow-covered landscapes, and a dash of Hollywood glamour.

The story follows two women from opposite sides of the world, each navigating heartbreak and searching for a fresh start. Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz), a successful yet emotionally guarded movie trailer editor from Los Angeles, discovers her boyfriend (Ed Burns) has been unfaithful. Meanwhile, Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), a warm-hearted journalist from England, is crushed upon learning that the man she’s in love with is engaged to someone else.

Desperate for a change of scenery, the two women connected through a home exchange website and agreed to swap houses for two weeks over the holiday season. Amanda retreats to Iris’s cozy cottage in the picturesque, snow-covered English countryside, while Iris finds herself in Amanda’s luxurious and sun-drenched home in Los Angeles.

In England, Amanda crosses paths with Iris’s charming and unexpectedly sensitive brother, Graham (Jude Law). Their connection sparks instantly, leading to a whirlwind romance filled with passion and tender moments.

Meanwhile, in sunny Los Angeles, Iris strikes up an endearing friendship with Miles (Jack Black), a lovable and lighthearted film composer. As they bond over shared vulnerabilities and moments of genuine kindness, their relationship blossoms into something deeply meaningful, proving that love can be found in the most unexpected places.