The 2025 Academy Awards have finally arrived, taking over the iconic Dolby Theater in Los Angeles for Hollywood’s biggest night.
As the stars and elite filmmakers come together to celebrate the finest in film, the ceremony is already full of surprises—from dazzling performances to unexpected moments that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Red Carpet Drama
Before the show even began, the Oscars red carpet was full of its own drama.
Stars made their entrances in jaw-dropping outfits, with many sporting slimmed-down looks, sparking conversations about the return of the size-zero trend, possibly fueled by the use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
The glamorous arrivals were just the beginning of a night filled with eye-catching fashion and plenty of gossip.
Conan O’Brien’s Controversial Opening Monologue
The night’s host, Conan O’Brien, took the stage with his signature humor, delivering a monologue that had everyone talking.
While he generally steered clear of politics, he couldn’t resist a sly jab at former President Donald Trump, saying, “Anora is having a good night. Two wins already.
I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”
The remark came shortly after actress Daryl Hannah made her own political statement by saying, “Slava Ukraini,” meaning “Glory to Ukraine,” in reference to the ongoing war with Russia.
An Unexpected Heckle During an Acceptance Speech
Things took a dramatic turn during the acceptance speech of Basel Adra, who won Best Documentary for No Other Land.
As he passionately criticized the current administration’s foreign policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, a member of the audience shouted out, “Get rid of Hamas,” creating an uncomfortable moment.
The interruption highlighted the raw emotions that can surface during the Oscars.
Highlights from the Night’s Winners
There were also plenty of exciting wins throughout the evening.
Adrien Brody secured the award for Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, while Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg delivered a heartfelt tribute to Quincy Jones.
I’m Still Here took home the award for Best International Feature, and The Brutalist added two more Oscars to its collection for Best Cinematography and Original Score.
Tributes and Emotional Moments
The In Memoriam segment was another powerful moment of the night.
While many stars were honored, fans were upset by the omission of Michelle, who passed away tragically at 39.
Gene Hackman also received an emotional tribute from Morgan Freeman, highlighting their long history together in film.
Lighthearted Moments and Bizarre Interactions
Not all the moments were filled with drama. There was also plenty of lighthearted humor, including some awkward moments between stars.
For instance, Zoe Saldana, while winning Best Supporting Actress, failed to mention her Emilia Perez co-star, Karla Sofía Gascón, in her emotional speech, sparking online chatter.
And when Fire Chief Erik Scott made a joke about Joker 2, referencing the movie’s producers, things got a little tense.
Musical Performances that Divided Viewers
The musical performances were another talking point.
While many were impressed by the performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, others weren’t as fond of Doja Cat’s rendition of the iconic Diamonds Are Forever.
It seems not every performance left the audience with a glittering impression.
The Kardashian Curse Takes Center Stage
As the evening unfolded, fans couldn’t help but notice the appearance of Ethan Slater and his girlfriend Ariana Grande.
Despite arriving separately, the couple’s red carpet moment had many fans speculating whether their high-profile relationship might trigger the infamous “Kardashian curse.”
The notion suggests that anyone who dates a Kardashian sees their career falter, but only time will tell if that applies here.
The Oscars Get Mixed Reviews from Viewers
While the Oscars were filled with glitzy moments, not all viewers were impressed.
Many took to social media to express their disappointment, calling the ceremony “boring” and even switching to other shows like White Lotus.
Some criticized the pacing and lack of surprises, while others felt that the jokes and performances missed the mark.
Final Thoughts on the Evening’s Surprises
As the night comes to a close, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered for its unexpected twists, both on the stage and behind the scenes.
From controversial remarks to heartfelt tributes, the event certainly lived up to the drama we’ve come to expect from Hollywood’s biggest night.
Whether it was the shocking wins or the awkward red carpet exchanges, this year’s ceremony will surely be discussed for years to come.