The 97th Academy Awards was an evening of celebration, surprises, and notable omissions, captivating audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event showcased Hollywood’s glamour alongside surprising victories and eyebrow-raising snubs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the biggest moments, unexpected wins, and noteworthy misses that made Oscars 2025 unforgettable.
Major Winners and Standout Moments
Oscars 2025 brought forth a mix of expected triumphs and astonishing victories, reflecting both industry trends and audience favorites.
Best Picture: “Anora”
Taking home the night’s most prestigious honor, “Anora” led the event with five wins. This dynamic film resonated deeply with voters, showcasing a compelling narrative, strong performances, and powerful direction.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison for “Anora”
In one of the night’s biggest surprises, Mikey Madison won Best Actress, overcoming Demi Moore, who had been a favorite throughout the awards season for her powerful performance in “The Substance.” Madison’s heartfelt portrayal significantly boosted “Anora’s” standing and secured its top award.
Best International Feature: “I’m Still Here”
Another unexpected yet celebrated win was Brazil’s “I’m Still Here,” triumphing over heavily favored “Emilia Pérez,” which garnered a staggering 13 nominations. This win showcased voters’ willingness to embrace emotionally potent storytelling, regardless of hype or expectations.
Best Animated Feature: “Flow”
The Latvian animated film “Flow” surprised audiences and critics alike, outperforming major contenders like Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and the anticipated “The Wild Robot.” The film’s heartfelt narrative and artistic excellence resonated deeply with voters.
Best Documentary: “No Other Land”
In a rare occurrence, “No Other Land,” a documentary lacking U.S. distribution, won the Oscar. Its victory highlighted how compelling storytelling and critical acclaim could transcend traditional distribution methods.
Best Editing: Sean Baker for “Anora”
Sean Baker, who directed and edited “Anora,” took home the award for Best Editing. The frenetic yet masterfully controlled editing style contributed significantly to the film’s overall impact, defying predictions that favored the steady drama “Conclave.”
Notable Snubs and Surprises
As is tradition, Oscars 2025 had its share of snubs and unexpected twists, fueling debates among film enthusiasts and industry insiders.
Snub: Original Song Performances Canceled
Disappointingly, the Academy decided to omit performances of Best Original Song nominees, depriving audiences of what have historically been iconic Oscar moments. Not performing songs, especially when past ceremonies had memorable renditions like “Endless Love” or “Shallow,” felt like a missed opportunity.
Snub: Diane Warren’s 16th Consecutive Loss
Renowned songwriter Diane Warren experienced her 16th Oscar defeat, losing out with “The Journey” from “Six Triple Eight,” despite high expectations. This continued her unfortunate streak, drawing comparisons to actress Susan Lucci, known for repeated Emmy losses.
Snub: Supporting Acting Category Controversy
Winners Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin’s awards drew criticism due to perceived category fraud. Both actors delivered performances arguably suitable for leading roles rather than supporting, raising questions about Academy categorization standards.
Snub: Omissions from In Memoriam
Social media lit up with criticism as notable figures like Michelle Trachtenberg and Tony Todd were omitted from the In Memoriam segment. This oversight highlighted ongoing challenges the Academy faces in adequately commemorating all influential industry figures.
Surprise: Adrien Brody Halts the Orchestra
Adrien Brody made headlines when he boldly requested the orchestra to pause during his Best Actor acceptance speech—and astonishingly, they complied. The unprecedented moment became instantly memorable.
Surprise: “Emilia Pérez” Ties Record for Oscar Losses
Despite high expectations, “Emilia Pérez” ended up tying the record for the most Oscar losses, with 11 categories unmet. This positioned the film alongside historically notable films like “The Power of the Dog” and “The Color Purple.”
Surprise: Young Hollywood Revives Glamour
After a relatively understated awards season, young stars like Rachel Sennott, Selena Gomez, Ana de Armas, Elle Fanning, Timothée Chalamet, and Doja Cat rejuvenated Oscars fashion with bold and glamorous styles, bringing energy and excitement back to the red carpet.
Final Thoughts on Oscars 2025
Oscars 2025 was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of Hollywood’s biggest night. From unexpected victories to controversial decisions, the evening reflected evolving tastes, sparked essential conversations, and highlighted both emerging talents and perennial favorites. As debates continue online and within film circles, this year’s Oscars reaffirmed cinema’s ever-changing landscape, promising even greater anticipation for future events.
