The 97th Academy Awards were a night to remember for movie lovers. From emotional wins to jaw-dropping performances, the evening had plenty of moments that will be talked about for years. Indie films shined brightly, history was made, and the audience shared plenty of laughs courtesy of the show’s charismatic host, Conan O'Brien. Sean Baker’s film Anora swept the night with multiple awards, while Zoe Saldaña’s groundbreaking victory added a layer of inspiration. Musical energy filled the air, thanks to Wicked’s performances, making it a celebration of art in all forms. Movie lovers witnessed a show that honored both the artistry of cinema and the people who bring these stories to life. Here are the most unforgettable moments from the 2025 Oscars.
Sean Baker and Anora: A Film That Stole the Spotlight
If the Oscars had a main character this year, it was undoubtedly Sean Baker. His indie darling, Anora, came into the evening with six nominations and walked away with five wins, including Best Picture. Baker, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, made history by becoming the first person to win four Oscars for a single movie in one night. The $6 million production proved that you don’t need a massive budget to tell a compelling story.
Mikey Madison picked up the Best Actress award for her performance, delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech that celebrated the resilience of sex workers, who the film’s plot centers around. Baker also used his moment on stage to call for a revival of theatrical moviegoing, passionately saying, “Long live independent film!” It was impossible not to feel inspired as this little movie that could dominated the ceremony, proving that authentic, character-focused storytelling still has a strong place in Hollywood.
Zoe Saldaña Makes History
It was a monumental night for Zoe Saldaña, who became the first Dominican American actor to win an Oscar. Her performance in Emilia Pérez as a dynamic and complex supporting character earned her the Best Supporting Actress statue. Her speech was emotional, as she reflected on her heritage and the importance of representation in Hollywood. Audiences cheered louder than ever, fully aware they were watching a historic moment unfold. Saldaña’s win was a personal triumph and symbolized progress for underrepresented communities in film.
The victory was part of a smaller winning streak for Emilia Pérez, which also picked up the award for Best Original Song with “El Mal,” a crowd favorite sung by Saldaña herself during the film.
Conan O’Brien’s Hilarious Hosting
This year’s host, Conan O'Brien, brought his signature wit to the stage and turned the Oscars into a laugh-out-loud affair. Known for his eccentric humor and years of experience as a talk show host, O’Brien loosened up the typically formal vibe of the night.
One of the standout moments was when he poked fun at Timothée Chalamet’s bright yellow suit, joking, “At least you won’t get hit by a car tonight.” He also pulled the audience into his improvised bits, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a comedy show than an awards ceremony. Perhaps the funniest gag of the night came during his back-and-forth with Nick Offerman, who lent his lush, deep voice to play the role of the Oscars' “voice of God.” The lighthearted tone O’Brien set was a perfect balance to the evening’s more serious moments.
Wicked Brings Music to Dolby Theatre
The evening started with a bang, thanks to the musical powerhouse of Wicked. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performed a medley that celebrated the extended Wizard of Oz universe. Ariana opened with the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” before joining Erivo for a duet of “Defying Gravity.”
The live performance gave audiences chills, with Erivo’s soaring vocals during the climax leaving everyone in awe. The musical also grabbed an award, with Paul Tazewell winning Best Costume Design, making him the first Black man to claim that title. His shout-out to costume designers and their often-overlooked contributions to cinema was both powerful and heartfelt. Truly, Wicked was a winner both on and off the stage.
Kieran Culkin’s Big Win
Kieran Culkin had a standout year, and his Oscars moment was the cherry on top. Winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, Culkin delivered a speech that mixed humor, emotion, and personal charm. He joked about his wife’s incentive policy, sharing how she had promised another addition to their family on the condition that he win an Oscar. His lighthearted but genuine remarks made him one of the most relatable and entertaining winners of the night.
Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return
Adrien Brody reminded everyone why he’s one of the finest actors of his generation. Winning Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, Brody delivered a nuanced portrayal of an ambitious architect navigating post-war challenges. The win marked his second Oscar, coming more than two decades after his first for The Pianist. Brody kept his acceptance speech humble but took a moment to advocate for supporting indie films, echoing a sentiment many in the industry hold dear.
Touching Tributes and Powerful Speeches
One of the most moving parts of the evening was a segment dedicated to celebrating costume designers, often unsung heroes in film production. Five stars from the nominated films spoke deeply about their appreciation for the behind-the-scenes team, with Cynthia Erivo leading a standing ovation for Paul Tazewell after his history-making win.
The winning team behind No Other Land, a documentary highlighting the struggles in the West Bank, used their time on stage to deliver an impassioned message. Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra and his co-directors spoke about the need for understanding and cooperation in a region often torn by conflict. Their speech was a stark reminder that film can shine a light on issues far beyond the screen.
A Few Misses
Not every moment was a hit. A tribute to James Bond’s legacy featuring interpretive dancers and modern pop stars left many scratching their heads. While individual performances, like Raye singing Skyfall, were strong, the overall segment felt disjointed and more suited to a Las Vegas stage than the Oscars.
Then there was Diane Warren, the legendary songwriter who was once again snubbed for Best Original Song after her 16th nomination. Her anthem “The Journey” lost to “El Mal,” which was performed by Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez. While talented creators were recognized, it left fans wondering when Warren will finally get her due.
The 2025 Oscars beautifully showcased all the ways cinema can inspire, challenge, and unite us. From historic wins to show-stopping performances, it was one for the books. Whether you’re a fan of indie films or big-budget musicals, this year had something for everyone. Here’s to hoping next year delivers just as much magic!