This year's Oscars displayed the perfect blend of glamour, emotion, and unexpected turns as stars lit up Hollywood's biggest night. From surprise wins to memorable performances, the 2025 Academy Awards were a spectacle to remember.
One of the most shocking moments of the evening came when Mikey Madison was announced as the best actress winner, taking the crown from the heavily-favored Demi Moore. The 25-year-old's win for her role in "Anora" marked a pivotal moment for the actress, whose journey from relative obscurity to the Oscars spotlight exemplifies the kind of inspirational narratives awards shows celebrate. "Anora" tells the story of a sex worker navigating a turbulent romance with a wealthy Russian heir, and its triumph at the Oscars sparked hope for the representation of marginalized communities. Edie Turquet, a dancer from the film, expressed her hope that the recognition would challenge societal perceptions of sex work.
Performances at the Oscars were equally captivating, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande dazzling audiences with a rendition of "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked." Their performance electrified attendees, with Erivo’s powerful note eliciting a standing ovation as Grande shone in her glamorous ensemble.
In a heartwarming throwback, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated a memorable moment from the past, sharing a kiss on stage 22 years after their first iconic kiss at the Oscars. Berry humorously referred to it as her moment to "pay him back," bringing nostalgia alongside her heartfelt connection with the past.
Love was in the air as Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet were captured in an adorable moment backstage, adding a layer of charm to the night. Another notable highlight came when Adam Sandler added humor to the event with a cheeky response to his casual attire, further proving that levity coexists with the evening's celebration of cinema.
While the ceremony celebrated artistic achievements, it also acknowledged the backdrop of devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles. Host Conan O'Brien honored first responders, labeling them as heroes for their efforts, and elicited heartfelt applause from the audience.
Zoe Saldaña, winning her first Oscar for her role in "Emilia Pérez," delivered one of the night’s most touching speeches, breaking down in tears as she expressed gratitude to her family and emphasized her pride as a child of immigrant parents.
The evening also highlighted international stories of perseverance, as Iranian filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani made a whirlwind entry to win best animated short, sharing the challenges they faced securing visas to participate in the event.
Political undertones surfaced as Daryl Hannah and other presenters made remarks referencing current global events, demonstrating the ever-present intersection of art and activism.
In a night of triumphs and tribulations, the 2025 Oscars served as a reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience found in storytelling on both personal and global scales, as filmmakers boldly tackled themes mirroring contemporary issues while celebrating human emotion and experience.
