March 2, 2025 | Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles
Los Angeles witnessed a night of cinematic celebration, political and fashion statements as the 97th Academy Awards took center stage at the Dolby Theatre. Making his debut as Oscars host, Conan O’Brien injected his signature humor into the ceremony, setting the tone for an eventful evening. Known for his sarcastic and unconventional comedic style, O’Brien wasted no time poking fun at the ceremony itself, Hollywood’s biggest night that “starts at 4 in the afternoon.”
He also took jabs at himself and even Netflix’s price hikes, keeping the audience engaged throughout his monologue. However, the night’s biggest surprise came when O’Brien unexpectedly addressed the Indian audience in Hindi. “Bhartiya Logo ko namaskar. Waha subha ho chuki hai to mujhe ummeed hai ki ap crispy nashte ke sath Oscars dekhenge,” he said, which loosely translates to, “Greetings to the people of India. It’s morning there, so I hope you enjoy breakfast with the Oscars.”
O’Brien’s Hindi moment sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some applauding his effort to engage with the Indian audience, while others felt it was an unnecessary gimmick. He continued his opening routine with lighthearted jabs at the Best Picture nominees, including ‘Conclave’ and ‘Anora,’ cleverly weaving humor with social commentary.
Anora Dominates the Night
Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film, which delves into the life of a sex worker who marries the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, was praised for its bold storytelling and gripping performances. Madison’s win was particularly significant, as she triumphed over a strong lineup of contenders, including Cynthia Erivo (‘Wicked’), Karla Sofia Gascon (‘Emilia Perez’), Demi Moore (‘The Substance’), and Fernanda Torres (‘I’m Still Here’).
Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his role as a troubled architect in ‘The Brutalist,’ marking another milestone in his celebrated career. Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin were recognized for their supporting roles in ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘A Real Pain,’ respectively.
Beyond ‘Anora’s’ sweeping victories, ‘Emilia Pérez’ also made history with its 13 nominations—the most ever for a non-English-language film. Additionally, Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender performer to be nominated in an acting category, further solidifying the Oscars’ evolving representation.
Political Statements Take Center Stage
The 2025 Oscars were not just about films and accolades; political statements echoed throughout the evening. Mikey Madison used her Best Actress win to advocate for the rights of sex workers, adding a layer of activism to her acceptance speech. The Best Documentary winner, ‘No Other Land,’ took an emotional turn as the filmmakers called for peace and understanding amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The night also saw actress Daryl Hannah voicing her support for Ukraine by declaring “Slava Ukraine” as she presented the Best Editing award. This statement came against geopolitical tensions and the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance pressed Zelenskyy on his gratitude for U.S. support.
Host Conan O’Brien also joined in on the political jabs, joking that ‘Anora’ was a rare moment where Americans could witness someone standing up to a powerful Russian. This was perceived as a critique of the Trump administration’s shift in diplomatic ties with Russia, stirring conversations inside the Dolby Theatre and on social media.
A Nostalgic Oscars Moment: Adrien Brody and Halle Berry Recreate 2003 Kiss
One of the discussed moments of the night came when Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreated their infamous 2003 Oscars kiss on the red carpet. The original kiss, when Brody won Best Actor for ‘The Pianist,’ shocked audiences. Their unplanned recreation of the moment 22 years later sparked online buzz, with social media users sharing mixed reactions ranging from nostalgia to surprise. Brody’s presence at this year’s ceremony was especially notable given his nomination and eventual win for ‘The Brutalist.’
Fashion Statements: Julia Fox Channels Bianca Censori’s Sheer Look
Fashion at the Oscars and its afterparties always grabs headlines, and this year was no exception. Julia Fox turned heads at the Vanity Fair Oscar party by wearing a sheer nude dress by Dilara Findikoglu. Many drew comparisons between her look and Bianca Censori’s controversial sheer dress from the 2025 Grammys. Censori, the wife of rapper Kanye West, made waves last month by dropping her black fur coat on the Grammys red carpet to reveal a completely see-through mini dress. Fox, who dated Kanye West in 2022, seemingly drew inspiration from Censori’s daring aesthetic.
Fox’s dress, with a leg slit and black hair extensions integrated into the design, pushed the boundaries of red carpet fashion, sparking debates about style versus shock value. Her look, paired with peach-toned makeup and sculpted cheekbones, ensured she remained one of the most talked-about attendees of the night.
Complete List of Major Winners
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best International Feature: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
- Best Animated Feature: Flow (Latvia)
- Best Editing: Anora
- Best Costume Design: Wicked
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
The 97th Academy Awards proved to be an unforgettable night, filled with political discourse, surprise moments, and well-deserved accolades. From Conan O’Brien’s comedic debut as host to ‘Anora’s’ sweeping victories, the Oscars once again cemented itself as Hollywood’s biggest night, capturing the world’s attention.
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