The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, honoring the finest cinematic accomplishments of 2024. With comedian Conan O’Brien at the helm, the evening was filled with unforgettable highlights, groundbreaking victories, and striking fashion choices.
Major Winners and Highlights
The evening’s most prestigious award, Best Picture, went to Anora, a film that captivated both audiences and critics. Its triumph didn’t end there; it earned a total of five Oscars, including Best Director for Sean Baker and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. At just 25 years old, Madison became the ninth-youngest winner of the Best Actress award, marking a remarkable achievement in her rising career.
The Brutalist also left a strong mark, taking home three Oscars, with Adrien Brody winning Best Actor. His performance was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, portraying a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor rebuilding his life in America with the support of a wealthy patron. However, the film faced controversy when its Oscar-nominated editor, Dávid Jancsó, disclosed that AI voice-generating technology was used to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, leading to significant backlash and prompting writer-director Brady Corbet to defend the film’s innovative approach.
Another groundbreaking moment occurred when Zoe Saldaña received the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Emilia Pérez. This honor made her the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, highlighting the Academy’s growing commitment to diversity in its recognitions.
Red Carpet Fashion
The 97th Academy Awards’ red carpet was a dazzling display of fashion. Cynthia Erivo, a nominee for Best Actress, mesmerized everyone at the event in a custom gown by Louis Vuitton. The green velvet dress included bold shoulder accents and a sleek fit. Wicked co-star, Ariana Grande, opted for a custom Schiaparelli gown that celebrated her portrayal of Glinda with a soft pink, bedazzled skirt. Timothée Chalamet showcased a butter-yellow cropped jacket and matching slacks by Givenchy, as well as a well-known plus one, Kylie Jenner.
These fashion choices at the 2025 Oscars highlighted the celebrities’ unique styles and the creativity of the designers’, contributing to a red carpet that will be remembered for its diversity and elegance.
Spotlight Gossip
Adrien Brody etched his name in Oscar history by giving the longest acceptance speech ever recorded. While his words resonated with emotion, the speech’s length sparked lively discussions and debates among both viewers and critics alike. The ceremony also featured a dazzling tribute to the James Bond series, honoring its lasting impact on the film industry. Artists such as Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye performed beloved Bond themes, while Margaret Qualley brought an energetic touch with her dance performance.
In a surprising twist, Adam Sandler showed up in his signature laid-back style, donning a light blue hoodie, oversized basketball shorts, and sneakers, quite different from the usual formal wear at the Oscars. During the opening monologue by host Conan O’Brien, Sandler’s outfit became a source of playful teasing. O’Brien jokingly questioned Sandler’s fashion choice, leading to a humorous exchange. In a playful response, Sandler jumped up, shouted “Chalamet!” referencing a previous joke by comedian Nikki Glaser at the Golden Globes, and made a comedic exit from the event.
The 2025 Oscars celebrated not just outstanding films but also showcased the vibrant relationship between cinema and style. With memorable award victories and captivating fashion choices, the event projected the changing face of Hollywood, blending time-honored traditions with innovative trends, both in films and on the red carpet.
