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Hollywood’s biggest night — the 97th Academy Awards — concluded with Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora dominating the evening, winning five awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Director. The ceremony opened with a heartfelt musical tribute to Los Angeles, performed by Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as Southern California continued recovering from January’s wildfires.Oscars 2025
Despite leading with 13 nominations, Jacques Audiard’s musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez fell short, winning only two Oscars. The film’s campaign lost momentum after past social media posts by lead actor Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced, sparking controversy. Gascón, who had stepped back from public appearances amid the backlash, attended the ceremony despite the tumult.Oscars 2025
One of the night’s most nostalgic moments came when Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreated their famous 2003 Oscars kiss on the red carpet. The spontaneous moment mirrored their original encounter when Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist. History repeated itself as Brody once again won Best Actor, this time for The Brutalist.
The “In Memoriam” segment honored many cinematic legends, with Morgan Freeman leading a tribute to Gene Hackman. However, fans were disappointed by the absence of figures like Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Michelle Trachtenberg, Darkness of Man star Shannen Doherty, and others, including Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo, and Olivia Hussey. The omissions sparked discussions online, with many calling for the Academy to expand the segment to ensure no one is forgottenOscars 2025.
Adrien Brody used his acceptance speech to speak out against antisemitism and systemic oppression, urging for a more inclusive world. Mikey Madison, fresh off her win for Anora, pledged ongoing support for the sex worker community, expressing gratitude for her unexpected rise to stardom. Madison’s speech resonated with many viewers, who praised her sincerity and dedication to social justice.
In a touching tribute, the Academy celebrated Los Angeles firefighters who fought the January wildfires. Host Conan O’Brien welcomed them on stage, where they received a standing ovation and even shared a few lighthearted jokes with the audience. The gesture highlighted the connection between Hollywood and the city it calls home, emphasizing the importance of community resilience in the face of disaster.Oscars 2025
Though Timothée Chalamet didn’t win an award, he and girlfriend Kylie Jenner captivated attention with affectionate moments and bold fashion choices. Chalamet turned heads in a vibrant yellow suit, while Jenner dazzled in a sleek black gown, making them one of the night’s most talked-about couples. Their appearance sparked a social media frenzy, with fans dissecting every interaction and outfit detail.Oscars 2025
The night was also filled with surprise wins and emotional moments. Veteran actor Willem Dafoe finally secured his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the psychological thriller The Lighthouse Keeper. His heartfelt speech, in which he thanked his longtime collaborators and reflected on his decades-long career, brought many audience members to tears.Oscars 2025
Another standout moment came when newcomer Amara Varela won Best Supporting Actress for her breakout role in The Last Sunrise. Overwhelmed with emotion, Varela dedicated her award to her late grandmother, who had inspired her to pursue acting. The touching tribute earned her a roaring ovation and cemented her as a rising star to watch.
The ceremony’s musical performances were equally memorable. Billie Eilish delivered a haunting rendition of her nominated song Shadows, while Janelle Monáe electrified the stage with an energetic medley of this year’s nominated tracks. The performances added a dynamic flair to the evening, blending spectacle with raw emotion.Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards blended heartfelt tributes, surprise wins, and moments of levity, cementing itself as an unforgettable chapter in Oscar history. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the event had not only celebrated the best in film but had also served as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and unite audiences worldwide.
