Oscars 2025 Highlights: Surprising Wins and Memorable Moments

Image credits: Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, FilmMagic

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony was a night to remember, with several surprising wins and memorable moments that will be etched in the minds of audiences for a long time. One of the biggest upsets of the night was Mikey Madison's win for Best Actress for her role in Anora, a film that tells the story of a young sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Madison's win was a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft, and her emotional speech was a highlight of the evening.

Another notable moment from the ceremony was Zoe Saldaña's powerful speech after winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña's speech was a heartfelt tribute to her family and her heritage, and it marked a significant milestone for representation in the film industry. The ceremony also featured several other notable wins, including Adrien Brody's Best Actor award for his role in The Pianist, and the Best Picture award for Anora, which was a historic win for the film's director, Sean Baker.

The ceremony was not without its lighter moments, however, with host Conan O'Brien bringing his signature wit and humor to the stage. One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when O'Brien called out Adam Sandler for his casual attire, prompting Sandler to jokingly walk out of the auditorium. The ceremony also featured several other notable performances, including a medley of songs from the musical Wicked, performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The pair's performance was a show-stopping moment that brought the audience to its feet, and it was a testament to the enduring power of music in film.

In addition to the wins and performances, the ceremony also featured several other notable moments, including a tribute to the firefighters who fought the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The tribute was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and resilience, and it marked a significant moment in the ceremony. The ceremony also featured several other notable moments, including a surprise kiss between Halle Berry and Adrien Brody, and a heartfelt speech from Iranian filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, who won the Best Animated Short Film award for their film In the Shadow of the Cypress.

Overall, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony was a night to remember, with several surprising wins, memorable moments, and standout performances. The ceremony was a testament to the power of film to bring people together and to inspire and uplift audiences, and it marked a significant milestone in the history of the Academy Awards. Some of the notable releases and nominations from the ceremony include:

• Anora, directed by Sean Baker and starring Mikey Madison
• Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
• Emilia Pérez, starring Zoe Saldaña
• The Pianist, starring Adrien Brody
• In the Shadow of the Cypress, directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani