A night dedicated to the love of cinematography, the Oscars 2025 marked its 97th annual show in the city of stars—Hollywood, California. From Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performing “Defying Gravity” to Queen Latifah paying tribute to Quincy Jones, the star-packed lineup brought together the best in the industry for an unforgettable evening.
The night was filled with memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and expressions of gratitude for those who supported one another in the room. Here’s a timetable of what you may have missed, along with performances you should rewatch on YouTube this week.
Winner of the night : Anora
“Anora” took home not just one but nearly all the Oscars it was nominated for this award season, with Sean Baker winning Best Director, Mikey Madison winning Best Actress, along with awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. The film won a total of five Oscars, and in a heartfelt and inspirational speech, the director and actress expressed their gratitude to the sex worker community. Thanking them for sharing their stories and opening up their spaces to make this film possible. Mikey Madison, in particular, vowed that she will never stop advocating for the community.
Adrian Body Wins Best Actor
In a close competition with other talented actors on the nominees list, Adrian Brody won Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Thanking his family, team, and the film’s cast, he was left speechless by this new achievement bestowed upon him by the Academy. In a heartfelt message to his cast, he acknowledged that acting is not always glamorous. The award signified a new beginning and a new chapter in his life.
“I’m Still Here” Wins Best International Film
Winning Best International Film, I’m Still Here, created in Brazil, dedicated its victory to Eunice Paiva, the real-life lawyer and activist portrayed by Fernanda Torres. Latin American countries celebrated the win worldwide, sharing their joy online. Among the nominees were The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), Emilia Pérez (France), The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany), and Flow (Latvia).
Zoe Saldana Wins Best Supporting Actress
Dedicating her win to her family, Zoe Saldana thanked her mother, sisters, and everyone who played a part in bringing the film to life. She also honored her grandmother, recognizing that her life was shaped by immigrants and that her hard work has been made possible by those who came before her.
Emilia Pérez won two Oscars this season, closing out the night with a win for Best Original Song with “El Mal.”
Memorable mentions
Kieran Culkin wins Best Supporting Actor Winning for his role in A Real Pain, Kieran Culkin thanked his mother, his wife, and humorously joked about bringing four children into the world with her. Among the nominees were Yura Borisov for Anora, Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice, Guy Pearce for The Brutalist, and Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown.
Flow wins best animated film Winning Best Animated Film, Flow director Gints Zilbalodis thanked his crew and expressed, “I hope this will open doors for independent animators and filmmakers around the world.” Among the nominees were Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot.
In the shadow of the cypress wins best animated short film Winning Best Animated Short Film, directors Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi had prepared an English speech for the night, as it was not their first language. In their heartfelt speech, the married duo shared that they had just landed a few hours earlier and were eternally grateful for the love shown to their film. Among the nominees were Magic Candies, Beautiful Men, Wander to Wonder, and Yuck!
Wicked Wins Best Production Design Despite receiving 10 nominations, Wicked did not go home empty-handed this season, winning the award for Best Production Design.
Performances
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the Oscars with a stunning medley from The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz. Ariana began with a breathtaking performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, as the electrifying set transformed into clouds, with a beautiful rainbow illuminating her on stage. Dressed in a custom Schiaparelli red gown and delivering flawless vocals, she captivated the audience.
Cynthia Erivo then took the stage in a custom Vivienne Westwood gown inspired by the SS97 bridal dress, performing Home from The Wiz. The set transitioned to a bright, city-like backdrop, enhancing the ambiance. The two stars came together for a powerful duet of Defying Gravity from their blockbuster musical Wicked.
Paying tribute to the James Bond franchise, actress Margaret Qualley opened with a dynamic dance number surrounded by men in tuxedos. She was soon joined by Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye, who performed a thrilling medley of iconic Bond songs. Lisa delivered a stunning rendition of Live and Let Die, Doja Cat reimagined Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Forever, and Raye paid tribute to Adele with Skyfall. The night was filled with powerhouse vocals, cinematic ballads, and a traditional Bond-style action sequence, bringing a fresh artistic flavor to the ceremony.
Queen Latifah also made a surprise appearance on the Oscar stage, honoring the legendary Quincy Jones. She performed Ease on Down the Road from The Wiz in a heartfelt tribute to Jones, who passed away in November. The performance featured a full ensemble of backup dancers and singers, bringing the audience to their feet in celebration of his legacy.
Best dressed
Ariana Grande in Schiaparelli
Wearing nothing but the latest couture piece from Schiaparelli, Ariana Grande radiated in SS25 haute couture for her red-carpet debut as an actress at this year’s Oscars. Paired with a De Beers diamond choker and matching earrings, the star gave us a glimpse of Glinda.
Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy
Timothée Chalamet stood out in a buttery yellow custom Givenchy suit, a striking contrast to the traditional black-and-white ensembles worn by his fellow nominees. The look not only complemented his nomination for the Bob Dylan biopic but also made a bold red carpet-statement.
Michelle Yeoh in Balenciaga
Michelle Yeoh captivated the cameras in a stunning, vibrant blue Balenciaga gown. The elegant cut trailed behind her, while statement accessories adorned her neck, completing a chic and sophisticated red carpet look.
Demi Moore in Giorgio Armani
Demi Moore arrived in a corset-inspired Giorgio Armani gown, draped in shimmering silver and cinched at the waist. As the lead actress of The Substance, she delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable looks.
Selena Gomez in Ralph Lauren
Bringing classic Hollywood glamour, Selena Gomez stunned in a bedazzled golden Ralph Lauren gown. She accessorized with a matching necklace, earrings, and statement rings by Bvlgari, radiating elegance.
Colman Domingo in Valentino
Among the best-dressed of the night, Colman Domingo turned heads in a striking red Valentino suit with black detailing. The tailored suit wrapped around his waist, and he completed the look with sporty sunglasses. A fan favorite, Domingo stole the show.
Lisa in Mark Gong
K-pop superstar Lisa made her Oscars debut in a custom Mark Gong deconstructed tuxedo. Perfectly suited for her James Bond tribute performance, the layered design gave her a sleek, classic, and effortlessly chic look—likely the first of many standout red carpet moments.
As the film awards season comes to a close, we eagerly anticipate which movies will dominate discussions in 2025. With Wicked: Part Two and Another Simple Favor on the way, we’re excited to return to the cinema and enjoy another year of storytelling on the big screen.
