Oscars 2025: Highlights and Winners from the 97th Academy Awards
Image credits: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
The 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2025, was a night to remember, with many notable winners and memorable moments. One of the standout moments was when Mikey Madison was announced as the best actress winner for her role in Anora, a film that tells the story of a sex worker who has a whirlwind ill-fated romance with the spoilt son of a Russian oligarch. The win was a surprise to many, as Demi Moore was the favorite to win for much of the campaign. However, Madison's performance was widely praised, and her win marked an incredible moment for the 25-year-old actress who was relatively unknown before her role in Anora.
Another highlight of the night was the performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who belted out Wicked's anthem Defying Gravity. The performance was met with a standing ovation, and it was clear that the audience was blown away by the duo's talent. Erivo, in a white gown, hit the final iconic note, and the audience erupted in applause. The co-stars also performed a medley of songs, including Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which Grande sang to open the show wearing a gorgeous red sequined dress. The music and performances were a key part of the night's entertainment, and they did not disappoint.
The night also saw several other notable winners, including Adrien Brody, who won best actor for his role in The Brutalist, and Zoe Saldaña, who won best supporting actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. The film Emilia Pérez was a musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord, and Saldaña's win marked one of the most powerful and emotional speeches of the night. She broke down in tears immediately, crying out "Mommy", to her mother in the audience, and praised the film's cast and crew for their "loving and community". The diversity of the winners and nominees was a notable aspect of the night, with many winners from different backgrounds and communities.
In addition to the winners, the night also saw several notable moments, including a kiss between Halle Berry and Adrien Brody on the red carpet, which recreated a moment at the 2003 Academy Awards. The night also saw a performance by the firefighters who fought the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which killed 29 people. The Academy Awards mentioned the fires only a handful of times, signalling that Hollywood is moving on. However, the moment was a powerful one, and it was clear that the audience was moved by the performance. The list of winners included:
- ANORA - Best Picture
- Adrien Brody - Best Actor
- Mikey Madison - Best Actress
- Zoe Saldaña - Best Supporting Actress
- Kieran Culkin - Best Supporting Actor
The Oscars 2025 was a night to remember, with many notable winners and memorable moments. The night saw several standout performances, including the performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and the speech by Zoe Saldaña. The diversity of the winners and nominees was a notable aspect of the night, and it was clear that the audience was moved by the performances and the winners. The event was a success, and it will be remembered for years to come.
oscar carpet red winner 2025 ariana grande cynthia erivo academy
Related Tags