The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, was a night to remember, filled with stunning performances, heartfelt moments, and a dash of humor. Here are the highlights from the star-studded event:
Unforgettable Performances
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the Show: The evening kicked off with a mesmerizing medley by Grande and Erivo, performing iconic songs from The Wizard of Oz universe, including Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Home, and Defying Gravity. Their performance was a testament to the enduring magic of musical cinema.
Tributes and Surprises
Margaret Qualley Lead James Bond Tribute: The ceremony included a thrilling tribute to the James Bond franchise, featuring Halle Berry with her speech and Margaret Qualley, LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE with their musical performance. This segment was a highlight of the evening, celebrating the iconic spy series.
Halle Berry Recreates Infamous Kiss with Adrien Brody: In a playful moment, Halle Berry recreated her infamous 2003 Oscars kiss with Adrien Brody on the red carpet, bringing back memories of past Oscar moments.
Laughter and Cute Moments
Ben Stiller Steals the Show: Ben Stiller delivered the night’s best joke with a hilarious floor malfunction bit while presenting the Best Production Design award. His comedic genius turned a technical mishap into an unforgettable moment.
Adrien Brody’s Sweet Gesture: During his acceptance speech, Adrien Brody playfully threw gum to his girlfriend in the audience, adding a lighthearted touch to the evening.
Adam Sandler’s Surprise Appearance: During Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue, Adam Sandler made a hilarious entrance in a bright blue hoodie and gym shorts. O’Brien jokingly compared his attire to someone playing video poker at 2 AM, prompting Sandler to defend his style and invite the audience to a game of basketball.
Heartfelt Moments
Kieran Culkin’s Family Promise: After winning Best Supporting Actor, Culkin humorously reminded his wife of her promise to have four children if he won an Oscar, adding a lighthearted touch to the evening.
Sean Baker’s Emotional Acceptance Speech: Sean Baker, director of Anora, delivered a heartfelt speech after winning Best Director, thanking his team and family for their unwavering support. His emotional words resonated deeply with the audience.
Zoe Saldaña’s Tearful Tribute: Zoe Saldaña, winner of Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, dedicated her award to her late grandmother, moving the audience to tears with her poignant tribute.
Surprising Wins and Snubs
Anora’s Epic Night: The indie drama ‘Anora’ pulled off a stunning upset at the 2025 Oscars, claiming five major awards out of six nominations. Sean Baker’s film took home the coveted Best Picture and Best Director awards, marking a monumental victory for independent cinema. Baker’s achievement was historic, as he became one of the few individuals to win four Oscars in a single night, echoing the legendary record set by Walt Disney.
Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore Among Notable Nominees: Despite strong performances, crowd faves Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown and Demi Moore for “The Substance” did not win any Oscars. Their nominations were a testament to their talent and the competitive field of this year’s Oscars.
DNEG’s Eight Oscar: Namit Malhotra’s DNEG won its eighth Visual Effects Oscar for Dune: Part Two, marking another milestone in their journey. This achievement underscores DNEG’s leadership in visual effects, following previous wins for films like Inception and Blade Runner 2049.