The 2025 Oscars were held Sunday March 2, 2025. This is the 97th Academy Award Ceremony to honor the best films, actors, directors, and last but not least behind-the-scenes crew who make the movies what we see them to be.
A montage of all the films shot in LA was created to pay tribute to the devastation experienced due to the wildfires in California. Different movies such as Barbie, La La Land, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Iron Man 2, Fast and Furious, and many more momentous features.
Ariana Grande serenaded the crowd and millions watching from home with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the late Judy Garland. While wearing what resembled Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz, Grande plays Galinda the Good Witch in the remake, prequel Wicked.
The entrance didn’t stop there; Cynthia Erivo continued with her dynamic performance of ‘Home’ from The Wiz, which Michael Jackson famously starred in. Grande joined Erivo back on stage to sing a part from the breathtaking song “Defying Gravity,” which is the ending finale in Wicked.
Conan O’Brien was the host for it. He was funny and witty, yet serious in times of mourning for the amazing people that were lost this year. “So yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work — which is what this is about — the work continues,” O’Brien stated to applause.
Not only in the California Wildfires but also actors, directors, composers, choreographers, and so many others who tragically passed this past year. Including: Dame Maggie Smith, actor Gene Hackman, Shelly Duvall, James Earl Jones, Quincy Jones, etc.
The first award of the night was Best Supporting Actor. This went to Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain. I can say with certainty that he deserved to win this. His character, Benji, took the audience through all the emotions of enthrallment, guilt, depression, and manics. This hour and thirty minute film is worthy of so much and is truly a piece of art.
Best Costume Design went to Wicked. Specifically to Paul Tazemen, who is the first Black man to win in this category,y which breaks so many barriers down and is incredibly important in these times.
Penélope Cruz was the presenter for Best International Feature. Deservingly, it went to I’m Still Here from the country of Brazil.
Furthermore, Best Supporting Actress was awarded to Zoe Saldaña for her work in Emilia Pérez. She is the first Dominican of American Origin to win this category. Saldaña thanked her mother in the audience as well as her grandmother, who immigrated to America in the 60s.
Dune: Part Two won two awards: Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Lead actor, Timothée Chalamet, is up for Best Actor. His work in A Complete Unknown was absolutely brilliant for his portrayal of Bob Dylan.
The nominees for Best Cinematography were as follows: Emilia Pérez, Dune: Part Two, Maria, The Brutalist; and Nosferatu. The Academy couldn’t have gone wrong with any of these strikingly fantastic films. It turned out that The Brutalist came out on top and won this category.
Going on with the winning streak, Best Original Score was awarded to The Brutalist. Adrien Brody did win Best Actor for his work within this movie. “The many people who have struggled immigrating to this country, I hope that this work stands to lift you up a bit and to give you a voice.” Brody ended his speech with.
Best Director was presented to Sean Baker. Who was an incredibly creative director who made Anora. This recognized the sex workers’ community and beat down stereotypes that society has continued to have about them.
Five inspiring films with five brilliant women were up for Best Actress. But, Mikey Madison continued Anora’s streak with her winning the category. She continues to positively influence many and recognizes awareness to those who are sex workers. Anora then also won Best Picture. The whole cast and crew created such a timeless movie that applied to people back then and will continue to show its artistry 50 years from now.
