This year's Oscars delivered an electrifying evening filled with glamour, emotional moments, and star-studded performances. Emerging from relative obscurity, 25-year-old Mikey Madison claimed Best Actress for her role in "Anora," a film about the complex lives of sex workers. Madison's win marked a significant rags-to-riches narrative cherished by awards ceremonies, lighting up the winners' room with disbelief.
Madison's film tells the story of a romance between a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, highlighting perspectives around sex work. The film received praise for its representation, with for Edie Turquet—a cast member—expressing hopes it would challenge societal views.
Performative highlights included Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's show-stopping medley, starting with Grande's performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in a dazzling red gown. The two delivered an impassioned rendition of “Defying Gravity,” culminating in audience applause when Erivo hit a high note.
Another heartwarming moment unfolded as Halle Berry recreated a memorable kiss with Adrien Brody from 2003, a tribute blossomed in the spirit of camaraderie and humor. Inside the theater, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet also made headlines, sharing a kiss to cheers from supporters.
Dialogue and laughter characterized the night, with Adam Sandler's casual attire drawing jokes from host Conan O'Brien, leading to comedic exchanges that entertained the crowd.
The backdrop of devastation from Los Angeles wildfires loomed over the event; however, the ceremony acknowledged the firefighters' bravery amidst light-hearted moments. A special moment saw O'Brien introduce firefighters to applause, prompting laughter with a carefully phrased joke.
Zoe Saldaña emotionally accepted her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Emilia Pérez," reflecting on her heritage as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar. She paid homage to her family, declaring her deep-rooted pride in her story.
In a captivating twist, Iranian filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani rushed to the event after a lengthy visa struggle, securing the Best Animated Short Film award for "In the Shadow of the Cypress." Their speech resonated with the challenges they faced as they celebrated their win.
Politics danced at the forefront of the ceremony, addressed by the host and presenters who acknowledged pressing global issues, specifically around Ukraine and US policies regarding Palestine. Despite the politically charged atmosphere, there were no direct mentions of Donald Trump.
From emotional recognition to politics and pinpointed jokes, the 2025 Oscars embodied the mix of entertainment and real-world concern, ultimately captivating audiences around the globe as they celebrated the magic of cinema.
