The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, dazzled audiences with a night filled with unforgettable moments. From “Anora” sweeping the awards to electrifying performances and heartfelt tributes, the Oscars 2025 left no stone unturned in celebrating the best of cinema. Let’s dive into the highlights that made this year’s ceremony truly memorable.
‘Anora’ Dominates with Five Oscars
“Anora” took the spotlight at the 2025 Academy Awards, clinching five Oscars out of six nominations. The film’s success underscores its powerful storytelling and exceptional craftsmanship.
Awards Won by ‘Anora’
- Best Picture
- Actress in a Leading Role – Mikey Madison
- Directing – Sean Baker
- Writing (Original Screenplay) – Sean Baker
- Film Editing
The film’s triumph is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its cast and crew. Sean Baker’s direction and original screenplay earned him two Oscars, while Mikey Madison’s compelling performance as the lead actress captured the hearts of the Academy.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Wicked’ Medley Opens the Show
The Oscars kicked off with a spectacular performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, showcasing songs from the upcoming film “Wicked.” Their medley was a highlight of the night, setting the tone for an evening of musical brilliance.
The ‘Wicked’ Medley Breakdown
- Ariana Grande opened with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” paying homage to Judy Garland’s iconic performance in “The Wizard of Oz.”
- Cynthia Erivo followed with “Home” from “The Wiz,” showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional depth.
- The duo then joined forces for “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked,” earning a standing ovation from the audience.
This opening act not only set the stage for the night but also highlighted the talent and versatility of these two incredible artists. Their performance was a fitting start to an evening celebrating the magic of cinema.
Tributes to Legends: Quincy Jones and Gene Hackman
The Oscars also took time to honor two legends of the industry: Quincy Jones and Gene Hackman. These tributes were poignant reminders of the impact these individuals had on the world of film.
Quincy Jones Tribute
Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah introduced a joyful tribute to the late producer Quincy Jones. The segment featured 32 dancers, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Queen Latifah performing “Ease on Down the Road” from “The Wiz.” Jones, who supervised the adaptation of songs for the 1978 film, left a lasting legacy in the music and film industries.
Gene Hackman Tribute
Morgan Freeman paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and fellow actor Gene Hackman, who passed away just days before the ceremony. Freeman reminisced about their time working together on films like “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion,” emphasizing Hackman’s significant contributions to cinema.
Conan O’Brien’s Entertaining Hosting
Conan O’Brien brought his unique brand of humor to the Oscars, ensuring the audience was entertained throughout the night. His promise not to waste time with a musical number titled “I’m not going to waste your time” was a clever nod to past ceremonies and set the stage for a lively evening.
Surprise Cameo by Adam Sandler
During O’Brien’s monologue, Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance, bantering with the host about his casual attire of gym shorts and a hoodie. This unexpected cameo added a touch of humor and kept the audience engaged.
Emotional Acceptance Speeches
The Oscars are known for their heartfelt acceptance speeches, and this year was no exception. Two speeches, in particular, stood out for their emotional depth and personal significance.
Zoe Saldaña’s Tribute to Her Grandmother
Zoe Saldaña won the Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” In her acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to her grandmother, who immigrated to the United States in 1961. Saldaña’s words were a powerful reminder of the dreams and hard work that drive immigrants to pursue their goals.
Kieran Culkin’s Humorous Promise
Kieran Culkin, upon winning Best Supporting Actor, shared a humorous story about a promise his wife, Jazz Charton, made to him. She had promised him a fourth child if he won an Oscar, a playful moment that brought laughter to the audience.
Historic Wins and Honoring Heroes
The Oscars also celebrated historic achievements and honored real-life heroes, adding depth and significance to the ceremony.
Paul Tazewell’s Historic Win
Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.” His achievement is a milestone for diversity and representation in the film industry.
Honoring Los Angeles Firefighters
The Oscars took a moment to honor the brave firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department who battled the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in January. Their heroic efforts were recognized with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to their dedication and courage.
James Bond Tribute
A highlight of the evening was the James Bond musical tribute, honoring the franchise’s longtime producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The segment featured Margaret Qualley dancing to the “James Bond Theme” and performances of iconic Bond theme songs by Lisa from Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Raye.
Performers and Songs
- Lisa from Blackpink – “Live and Let Die”
- Doja Cat – “Diamonds Are Forever”
- Raye – “Skyfall”
This tribute was a fitting celebration of the enduring legacy of the James Bond series, which has captivated audiences for decades.
Andrew Garfield’s Heartfelt Tribute to Goldie Hawn
Andrew Garfield took the opportunity to thank Goldie Hawn for bringing joy to his late mother during her life. His heartfelt words highlighted the personal impact that celebrities can have on their fans, adding a touching moment to the ceremony.
The 97th Oscars were a celebration of the best in cinema, filled with memorable performances, historic wins, and emotional tributes. From “Anora’s” dominating performance to the heartfelt speeches and tributes, the night was a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of the movies. As we reflect on this year’s ceremony, we look forward to what the future holds for the world of film.
Source: abc7.com