The 97th Academy Awards in March 2025 will be remembered for its brutal pace and unexpected, sometimes hilarious moments. The ceremony dragged on for what felt like an eternity, but it had plenty of surprises, laughter, and standout moments that kept it from being a total snooze fest.
Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut brought much-needed levity to the evening. Known for his sharp wit, Conan mocked Hollywood with ease. His sarcasm set the tone for a night that rejected stuffiness in favor of humor and unpredictability.
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in A The Brutalist, but his acceptance speech became instantly infamous for being overly long and self-congratulatory. Timothée Chalamet, a fan favorite, lost in one of the most visibly disappointed reactions in Oscar history. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, making history as the first Dominican-American actress to win in the category.
Best Actress went to Mikey Madison for Anora, and while Demi Moore fans were disappointed, Madison’s speech was a highlight.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande kicked things off with a powerful performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Home, but the Bond movie tribute fell flat. Doja Cat and Blackpink’s performances lacked the energy expected for such iconic songs, though Margaret Qualley’s dance performance was a standout.
Timothée Chalamet’s bold yellow Givenchy suit was a fashion highlight, while Oprah Winfrey’s chic look also caught eyes. Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for Wicked, adding an important moment to the night’s fashion narrative.
The In Memoriam segment, led by Morgan Freeman, was dignified and respectful, a welcome change from the chaotic tributes of past years.
The night closed with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal revisiting their iconic When Harry Met Sally moment. They ended the night with a nostalgic, heartwarming moment that capped off a memorable evening.
Despite its length, the 2025 Oscars was a celebration of movies, humor, and surprises. From Conan O’Brien’s irreverent hosting to the emotional speeches and standout fashion, the night reminded us that even the most predictable events can still shock and delight.
