The 2025 Academy Awards proved to be a night of surprises, humor, and unforgettable moments. From the opening performance of Wicked to the unexpected outcomes of the major categories, this year’s Oscars were full of twists that had both the audience and those in attendance on the edge of their seats.

Conan O’Brien, making his debut as the host of the Oscars, quickly cemented his place as one of the best in the business. His unique comedic timing, charm, and sharp wit had audiences in stitches, especially during a skit with Adam Sandler. The performance was hilarious, with Sandler’s unorthodox wardrobe choice adding an unexpected twist to the evening.

Conan’s humor wasn’t confined to the stage either, as he humorously inserted himself into the night’s rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, proving that his hosting style was as unpredictable as it was entertaining. But perhaps the most memorable part of Conan’s hosting was his uncanny ability to tie everything together, ensuring that the night felt like a seamless spectacle. His quick wit and humor were vital in ensuring that the show remained energetic and engaging, keeping the audience hooked throughout the event.

Oscars 2025 highlights: Best and worst moments

However, it wasn’t just Conan who had everyone talking. The night’s biggest upset came in the form of Mikey Madison’s win for Best Actress. Many had predicted Demi Moore to take home the statue for her role in Anora, a film that explored themes of beauty standards and aging in Hollywood. However, in a surprising turn, Mikey Madison, at just 25 years old, triumphed over the seasoned 62-year-old Moore. The reaction from Moore’s fans was one of disappointment, with many expressing the sentiment that Moore had been “robbed” of the award. Yet, despite this, Moore herself appeared to take the loss graciously, with lip readers claiming that she could be seen saying, “nice,” to Madison’s win.

The irony of the situation was not lost on social media users, who quickly pointed out that the plot of Anora, a film about beauty standards and aging, seemed to mirror Moore’s own reality. Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora, in which she portrayed a former exotic dancer who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, was lauded for its raw emotional depth.

Mikey’s dedication to the role was evident, as she took on the challenge of doing her own stunts, learning Russian, and even mastering pole dancing. Her breakthrough moment in Hollywood, however, came long before her Oscar win, with her notable roles in Better Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Madison’s performance in Scream (2022) also added to her growing reputation as one of the most versatile young actresses in the industry.

On the flip side, Demi Moore’s daughters were seen supporting their mother backstage, comforting her at Vanity Fair’s afterparty. The three shared an intimate and relatable photo of Demi in a bathrobe, holding her dog while munching on fries — a moment that resonated with many fans. It was a candid image of Moore, showing her in a moment of vulnerability, even after what had been a long and disappointing night for her.

Oscars 2025 Best and Worst Moments

While the Best Actress category stole the headlines, the Best Actor race was equally contentious, with Adrien Brody’s win over Timothy Chalamet causing waves. Brody, known for his dramatic roles, edged out his friend and colleague Chalamet, who had been heavily favored to win for his portrayal of a young artist in a period drama. Brody’s victory was one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, with the actor revealing a personal connection to his longtime girlfriend and thanking her children, who had affectionately dubbed him “Popsy.” The 45-second speech was the longest in Academy Awards history, lasting a staggering five minutes and 40 seconds. Brody’s unexpected win left many in the audience, and even fellow nominees, stunned.

Brody’s speech was notable not just for its length but for the sincerity with which he spoke. In his own words, he felt he had come full circle, recalling how he had made a similar speech over two decades ago when he first won an Oscar. The highlight of the night for Brody, however, came when Halle Berry recreated the iconic Oscar moment between the two from 2003, bringing a full circle to their long-standing friendship. Brody’s expression of gratitude and excitement showed just how much this recognition meant to him.

Another key moment at the ceremony was the Best Supporting Actor category, which saw Kieran Culkin take home the Oscar over Succession co-star Jeremy Strong. Culkin’s win was a significant moment, given that Succession had been one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows in recent years. While the two actors are friends, there appeared to be a playful rivalry between them, with Culkin jokingly acknowledging the greatness of Strong’s work while also expressing his admiration. In an amusing moment backstage, the two embraced warmly, showing that their rivalry was purely professional.

Culkin’s win, however, was a bit of a surprise. Despite being considered a strong contender, many expected Strong, who played the more dominant character in the show, to be the one to claim the award. The win, however, was not just a personal triumph for Culkin but also a public victory for his character’s journey in Succession, which resonated deeply with both fans and critics alike.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening came when Zoe Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Avatar: The Way of Water. Zoe’s emotional acceptance speech, where she thanked her family and expressed gratitude for being able to continue making films that inspire others, was a testament to her dedication to her craft and her unwavering support for the film industry. Her win was especially significant because it marked a moment of recognition for her long career, which has spanned across multiple iconic franchises.

Meanwhile, Zoe’s co-star Ariana Grande, who had opened the show with a powerful medley from The Wizard of Oz, had her own moment to shine. The medley, which included a rendition of Defying Gravity, was a nod to the ongoing influence of Oz in contemporary culture. Grande’s performance left the audience in awe, as she seamlessly blended her vocal talent with the iconic imagery of the film.

Speaking of The Wizard of Oz, the show’s influence was also felt during the tribute to music legend Quincy Jones. The evening featured a powerful performance by Queen Latifah, who honored Jones for his work in music and film, particularly his involvement in the 1978 The Wiz soundtrack. Jones’s influence in the music world is immeasurable, and the tribute paid to him at the Oscars served as a reminder of the deep connection between music and cinema. The tribute was introduced by none other than The Color Purple co-stars Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, who reflected on their own careers and the impact that Jones had on their lives.

Oscars 2025: The best and worst moments | Mashable

Elsewhere in the evening, some moments of reflection took place, such as the touching tribute to Jean Hackman, who passed away recently. A few weeks before the event, Hackman’s death was revealed, and his career was celebrated during the Academy Awards ceremony. Morgan Freeman, a close friend and colleague of Hackman’s, presented the tribute. Hackman’s memory was honored through clips of his performances, which reminded everyone of his immense talent and versatility. Freeman spoke fondly of Hackman, recalling his charisma and how Hackman always played his roles with sensitivity and strength. In addition, The Academy In Memoriam section featured several other legendary figures who had passed away, including Michelle Tractenberg. The latter’s absence from the Oscars was noted, as she was honored in a special segment, and a QR code was provided for viewers to access her tribute.

Other highlights from the evening included Blackpink‘s Lisa performing a tribute to the legendary James Bond films. She performed one of the franchise’s most iconic songs, which was met with a rousing applause. And, of course, there was the usual excitement at Vanity Fair’s afterparty, where stars like Mick Jagger were spotted mingling and celebrating late into the night.

As the night wrapped up, the buzz around the 2025 Oscars was palpable. With surprising wins, heartfelt speeches, and electrifying performances, this year’s Academy Awards had something for everyone. Whether it was Mikey Madison’s shock victory, Conan O’Brien’s stellar hosting, or the emotional tributes that honored icons like Jean Hackman, this year’s Oscars were a night to remember. The performances, the unexpected twists, and the heartfelt moments will be talked about for years to come, ensuring that the 2025 Academy Awards will go down as one of the most memorable in history.