The last two months have given us an Oscar season like no other – so, it’s only right that the 97th Academy Awards match that (frankly extreme) level of drama. Going into Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, tensions and anxieties seemed to be at an all-time high: what would become of the acting and Best Picture races which still felt too close to call? How would producers balance the need for a fast-paced, entertaining ceremony with honouring those who were on the frontlines of the devastating LA wildfires and striking an appropriately sombre note, too? And how on earth would the show deal with the presence of Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón, whose Best Actress campaign imploded in the midst of a shocking scandal, but who will now be returning to the spotlight after a strategic pause?
From the viral red-carpet outings and showstopping musical performances to the most emotional speeches and jaw-dropping twists, these are all the moments you might have missed from the 2025 Oscars.
Sequins reigned supreme
From the more subtle embellishments on Ariana Grande’s Glinda-inspired tulle (not to mention her body glitter) and Zoe Saldaña’s strapless Saint Laurent, to Rachel Sennott’s all-out, Barbie-pink ball gown, Lupita Nyong’o in pearl-encrusted white, Selena Gomez and Emma Stone dripping with crystals, Joe Locke’s embellished waistcoat, Cynthia Erivo’s incredible nails, Coralie Fargeat’s shimmering black frock, Mindy Kaling’s silver floor-skimmer, Halle Berry in a mirrored work of art and Wicked star Marissa Bode’s red-hot number, A-listers dazzled on the step and repeat.
Women over 50 didn’t hold back
Fernanda Torres shimmied in her feathered showstopper, Whoopi Goldberg showed up in retina-searing electric blue, a 79-year-old Goldie Hawn wore gold and Demi Moore shut down the red carpet in a silver, sculpted stunner. While many younger starlets (Elle Fanning, Blackpink’s Lisa, Margaret Qualley et al) underplayed it with more classic looks, their more experienced colleagues, thankfully, did the opposite.
Ghost co-stars Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg also had a very sweet reunion, as did Adrien Brody and Halle Berry, 22 years on from their famous Oscar kiss.
Timothée Chalamet went full pastel-hued Willy Wonka – as only he can
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Timothée Chalamet attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic)
In a sea of dark suits, you could spot the Best Actor nominee a mile off in his lemon-coloured ensemble – including inside the theatre, where he was piling on the PDA with girlfriend Kylie Jenner, long before the show even started.
A tribute to LA kicked off proceedings
The ceremony opened with a montage which formed a love letter to Hollywood, after which Supporting Actress nominee Ariana Grande belted “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Full body chills. As she left the stage, Best Actress nominee Cynthia Erivo swept in, and crooned “Home”, after which the pair duetted on “Defying Gravity”. It brought the crowd to their feet and was an incredible way to kick things off.
Kieran Culkin looked genuinely moved – and will now be having a third and fourth child
Photo: Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images
The A Real Pain star paid tribute to his Succession co-star and nominee for The Apprentice, Jeremy Strong – who looked incredibly emotional as presenter Robert Downey Jr introduced him and praised his performance – and followed up his extensive thanks with a shout-out to his wife, Jazz, who had apparently promised him two more children if he won the Oscar. “I love you,” he grinned. “Let’s get crackin’ on those kids, what do you say?”
Wicked’s Paul Tazewell made history
The industry fixture, previously nominated for West Side Story, became the first Black man, and only the second Black person after Ruth E Carter, to win an Oscar for costume design, and got a very well-deserved standing ovation. “This is everything,” he said, visibly overcome. “Thank you.”
Margaret Qualley, Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye led a tribute to Bond
Margaret Qualley makes an appearance during the #Bond tribute at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/PodH1E4W4E
— Variety (@Variety) March 3, 2025
raye performing ‘skyfall’ during the james bond tribute at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/oqgmVcdvKp
— pop culture gal (@allurequinn) March 3, 2025
The Substance star did her best Marilyn Monroe-in-“Diamonds-Are-a-Girl’s-Best-Friend” to the Bond theme tune, after which Blackpink’s Lisa tackled “Live and Let Die”, Doja Cat, dripping in diamonds took on “Diamonds Are Forever”, and Raye brought it home in spectacular fashion with “Skyfall”. Bravo.
Zoe Saldaña wept
“I am floored by this honour,” said the Emilia Pérez actor, as she accepted the prize for Best Supporting Actress. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands. I’m the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I won’t be the last – I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish – my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted.”
Mick Jagger got a roaring standing ovation – as did LA’s brave firefighters
omg Mick Jagger just surprised everyone and got a HUGE standing ovation at the Oscars pic.twitter.com/wzuFYx6BNy
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 3, 2025
Presenting the statuette for Best Original Song to Emilia Pérez’s “El Mal”, the 81-year-old rockstar swaggered onto the podium, did a Bob Dylan impression, claiming he wasn’t the Academy’s first choice to present, and delighted everyone in attendance. He handed the prize to Camille, who ended her speech by singing until she was played off. Another standing ovation followed soon after, for the firefighters who recently battled the LA wildfires, and read out a series of jokes from the teleprompters.
Gene Hackman and Quincy Jones were honoured
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to Gene Hackman before the #Oscars In Memoriam segment pic.twitter.com/lcQVzfXvvo
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Morgan Freeman came out on stage to pay tribute to Hackman, the Hollywood legend who recently passed away, ahead of the In Memoriam segment. “He was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work,” he said. “He won the hearts of film lovers all over the world. Gene, you’ll be remembered for that, and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Colman Domingo and Ariana Grande dancing as Queen Latifah performs at the #Oscars
pic.twitter.com/nTs6ccARZx— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 3, 2025
Later in the night, another dearly departed hero was celebrated: Quincy Jones, by Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg who introduced that segment, and Queen Latifah who then came out to belt “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz, as Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande danced on the front row. (Domingo also kept the vibes going during the ad breaks.)
Adrien Brody triumphed
Despite Timothée Chalamet’s last-minute surge, The Brutalist star nabbed the Best Actor Oscar, as he has done (almost) every other major award. “Thank you, God!” he said, after walking on stage, having (very controversially) taken out his gum and tossed it to his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman. “Acting is a very fragile profession. The one thing that I’ve gained, having the privilege to come back here, is to have some perspective. No matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away. What makes this night special is the awareness of that and the gratitude I have for the work. Winning an award like this signifies a destination. To me it also… beyond the pinnacle of a career, it is a chance to begin again.” When his speech was interrupted by the music, he also ordered it to be turned off. “I’ve done this before – it’s not my first rodeo.” He got his wish. Touché.
Mikey Madison won a shocking victory over Demi Moore
“This is very surreal,” the Anora actor gasped as she collected the Best Actress Oscar, beating the hotly-tipped favourite Demi Moore. “I want to again recognise the sex worker community,” she continued. “I will continue to support you and be an ally. All the women I’ve had a chance to meet… it’s been a highlight of this extraordinary experience.” It was a beautiful moment, but it was also difficult not to feel for Moore, who looked quietly heartbroken.
Sean Baker had an exceptional night
Sean Baker makes a plea for seeing movies in theaters while accepting best director for #Anora at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/2uSg1QcIQf
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Early in the night, the director accepted his first ever Oscar, for Best Original Screenplay, looking slightly flustered. “This is crazy,” he gushed, before going on to pay tribute to the sex worker community who’d shared their stories with him over the years. “My deepest respect,” he added. “I share this with you.” Later, he also picked up the Best Editing prize (“I saved this film in the edit!” he joked) and Best Director, from none other than Quentin Tarantino (“If you didn’t cast Mikey in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood there would be no Anora,” he told the auteur). Baker also spoke passionately about the importance of cinemas and said happy birthday to his mother.
“Long live independent film” – #Anora wins best picture at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/UdsADwTZr1
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Then, at the very end of the night, Baker took Best Picture, too (from When Harry Met Sally’s Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal). “I want to thank the Academy for recognising a truly independent film,” he said. “Long live independent film!”
Editor
Radhika SethCredit
Lead Image: John Shearer/97th Oscars/The Academy via Getty Images
