The 2025 Oscars delivered a night of glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking achievements, leaving audiences buzzing with excitement. From historic wins to show-stopping performances, Hollywood’s biggest night had it all. Here’s a recap of the biggest winners and most memorable moments from the 97th Academy Awards.
Anora Dominates the Night
The indie film “Anora” emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The film’s star, Mikey Madison, won Best Actress, delivering an emotional acceptance speech that highlighted her journey from Los Angeles to Hollywood and her dedication to the sex worker community. “Anora” also won awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece.
Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return
Adrien Brody made a triumphant return to the Oscars stage, winning Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist.” Brody’s acceptance speech was heartfelt and poignant, addressing the lingering traumas of war, systematic oppression, and the importance of not letting hate go unchecked. His win marked a significant moment in his career, reminding audiences of his incredible talent and dedication to his craft.
Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Win
Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, taking home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” In her tearful acceptance speech, Saldaña paid tribute to her family and the immigrant community, emphasizing the importance of representation and the power of dreams. Her win was a powerful moment that resonated with audiences around the world.
Kieran Culkin’s Surprise Announcement
Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Real Pain,” surprised everyone with a heartfelt and humorous acceptance speech. Culkin announced that he and his wife, Jazz, would be expanding their family, fulfilling a promise they made if he ever won an Oscar. The audience erupted in applause and laughter, making it one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Show-Stopping Performances
The Oscars kicked off with a stunning Broadway-esque performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The duo delivered a powerful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Defying Gravity,” leaving the audience in awe. The musical tribute to the James Bond films, featuring performances by Lisa of Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Raye, was another highlight, celebrating the iconic music of the franchise.
Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut
Conan O’Brien made his Oscars hosting debut, bringing his signature humor and wit to the stage. O’Brien’s monologue included playful jabs at the nominees and a lighthearted take on the Emilia Pérez scandal. His performance was well-received, adding a touch of levity to the evening’s proceedings.
Honoring Legends and Heroes
The ceremony also paid tribute to the heroes and victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, with heartfelt acknowledgments and moments of silence. Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey led a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, while Morgan Freeman honored his dear friend Gene Hackman during the In Memoriam segment.
The 2025 Oscars will be remembered for its historic wins, emotional speeches, and unforgettable performances. As Hollywood continues to evolve, this year’s ceremony showcased the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in the film industry.