The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the finest achievements in cinema from the past year. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the evening was marked by memorable moments, historic wins, and unexpected outcomes.
The night belonged to “Anora,” the romance-thriller directed by Sean Baker, which clinched five Oscars, including Best Picture. Baker himself was honored with both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay awards, underscoring his multifaceted contribution to the film. Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character earned her the Best Actress accolade, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody’s performance in “The Brutalist” secured him the Oscar, adding to the film’s accolades for Best Original Score and Best Cinematography.
“Wicked,” despite high expectations with ten nominations, garnered two awards: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Paul Tazewell’s win for Best Costume Design was particularly noteworthy, as he became the first Black man to receive this honor.
Zoe Saldaña’s role in “Emilia Pérez” earned her the Best Supporting Actress award, making her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “The Brutalist,” though his acceptance speech faced partial censorship due to unexpected language.
The ceremony also paid tribute to industry legends. Morgan Freeman led a heartfelt homage to the late Gene Hackman and his wife, while Queen Latifah honored Quincy Jones with a performance of “Ease on Down the Road.”
Memorable Moments and Surprises at the 2025 Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, delivered an evening filled with humor, heartfelt speeches, and a few unexpected turns.
O’Brien’s inaugural hosting stint was met with acclaim, particularly for his witty monologue that addressed current events and playfully acknowledged controversies surrounding the nominees.
His spontaneous musical number, “I Won’t Waste Time,” set a lighthearted tone for the evening.
A nostalgic highlight featured Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreating their infamous 2003 Oscars kiss, eliciting both cheers and surprise from the audience.
Timothée Chalamet’s bold fashion choice—a yellow leather zoot suit—became a viral sensation, drawing comparisons ranging from butter to animated characters.
The ceremony wasn’t without its hiccups. Hulu’s livestream experienced a crash 16 minutes before the show’s conclusion, frustrating many viewers.
Additionally, a tribute to the James Bond franchise, featuring performances by Lisa of Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Raye, received mixed reactions due to its unconventional execution.
The acceptance speech for Best Original Song by Clément Ducol and Camille, who won for “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” took an unexpected turn when they delivered an impromptu a cappella performance, leaving the audience both amused and perplexed.
The evening concluded with “Anora” receiving the Best Picture award, solidifying its status as the standout film of the year. The 2025 Oscars will be remembered for its blend of heartfelt tributes, historic achievements, and moments that kept both attendees and viewers engaged throughout the night.
