On March 2, the Oscars made its way onto the big screens and gave audiences nationwide heartfelt performances, disappointing awards and a dazzling array of outfits that showcased the stars’ unique styles. While many cinematic achievements were highlighted, some of the nation’s favorites were snubbed, making the 2025 Oscars an average experience.
Host Conan O’Brien made some good jokes, but he never brought his energy above a 7 out of 10. Well, anything is better than Jo Koy at the Golden Globes in 2024. Despite the mediocrity, O’Brien brought a refreshing lightness and sincerity to the night without ignoring the complicated issues facing the future of Hollywood. Alongside O’Brien, many of the presenters were just as joyful and committed to the bits as the host.
As per usual, most winners delivered lengthy speeches while not actually saying anything, but there were some that surprised the crowds around the world with their meaningful words.
Although the awards are what the majority of audiences watch for, the performances of the Oscars were more memorable than past Oscars’ performances. Namely, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sang a rendition combining “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” “Home” and “Defying Gravity.” While neither performer won in their respective categories, which many expressed as snubs of the night, their performance brought needed nostalgia and sweetness to the night.
As always, the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards were more or less decided long before the Oscars aired on national television, with Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña predicted to win. Adrien Brody’s win for Best Actor after many great performances by him, Timothée Chalamet and Sebastian Stan. While the win is debatable among many audiences, it was his lengthy, arrogant speech that has been blowing up throughout the media in the days since the award ceremony.
The many honorees from best picture winner “Anora” were adorable and enviable, capping off a Cinderella story for the indie film about a sex worker. Sean Baker, the film’s director, earned four awards for the night— in the editing, directing, original screenplay and best-picture categories — which tied the record set by Walt Disney. Baker was just the type of winner we like to see, humble in his wins and gracious in his thanks.
Another “Anora” winner was for Best Actress, awarded to Mikey Madison. While it was already clear the Academy loved the film, this solidified it. However, when Emma Stone read her name from the winner’s envelope, there was no mistaking the shock that rattled some of the country’s audiences. Though the 25-year-old has won some trophies throughout this award season, including at the BAFTAs, even she seemed surprised when her name was announced. Though Madison’s speech wasn’t exactly showstopping, her win is exciting because she has an opportunity to do a lot with it. After being part of an independent project like “Anora,” Madison can use it to explore more exciting and experimental work.
Though we often look over them during these award shows, Craft & Documentary genres received some of the most attention throughout the night. Within the craft fields, though “Anora” won big for the awards, almost every notable film got a nod throughout the ceremony. “Wicked” came away with a significant win for Paul Tazewell for Costume Design. “The Substance” clinched makeup and “The Brutalist” won for its musical score.
The Academy Awards is known to be a relatively safe red carpet. But as the curtain fell on a particularly chaotic awards season, the red carpet followed suit. Mikey Madison wore a Dior gown colored black around her upper torso but leading down to a pink silk bow placed right near her sternum, leading to the rest of the gown adorning the same silky color.
Timothée Chalamet somehow managed to make his “The Man in the Yellow Hat” look-alike suit look chic and put together, though many are finding the “Curious George” look hilarious.
Cynthia Erivo adorned an extravagant deep emerald gown that was shaped into a poofy bow around her chest and arms, off her shoulders, but had a sneaky high collar that framed her face. The look is unique, just like her most recent character, Elphaba, which was exactly what she was going for. Similarly, Ariana Grande rocked a very Glinda outfit, the light, baby blush color of her gown with a sweetheart neckline and unique swooping skirt, with a sheer glitter layer underneath, making her look a standout of the night.
Demi Moore wore a diamond-studded fitted gown that ruffled layers near her hips, accentuating her beauty while also keeping it classy and unique.
Zoe Saldana wore a gown that starts beautifully at the top, with diamond patterns crossing over one another, but then leads down to a skirt that resembles ruffled drapes. Personally, the overlapping layers were a lot, but the color does compliment her skin tone.
Anok Yai truly captured the essence of award show fashion in a beautiful champagne-colored, silk, fitted dress that took on a mermaid style. She accessorized it with a black, feathered boa, making a risky choice that ended up being a beautiful nod to her fashion sense.
Most men wore the same that they usually do, dressed in simply black tuxedos with maybe a couple of clips or accessories here and there. Boring.
However, Andrew Garfield did show up in a muted brown-toned Gucci tuxedo, the undershirt a silky, lighter color brown, accentuating Garfield’s color palette in the best ways. He paired it with brown-tinted sunglasses that may have been a risk, but it brought together his whole outfit flawlessly.
With few hiccups — like Hulu ending its stream of the Oscars before the last two awards were handed out and too many casual tuxedos — and many emotional winners, this year’s Oscars had enough shock and awe to thrill us, but just as many expected wins to ensure we will feel comfortable placing our bets next year when undoubtedly, there will be more shocks and comforts.
