The 97th Annual Academy Awards delivered the full Hollywood package, glamour, shock wins, political moments, and even a nostalgic kiss 22 years in the making. From Mikey Madison’s career-defining victory to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s show-stopping performance, here are some of the top moments 2025 Oscars awards;
1. Mikey Madison’s Cinderella Story
In a major upset, Mikey Madison clinched the Best Actress award for her bold performance in Anora, beating out favourite Demi Moore. Madison’s win capped a meteoric rise for the 25-year-old, whose gripping portrayal of a sex worker in the critically acclaimed film turned her from a relative unknown into Hollywood’s newest star.
The win was also historic for the film itself Anora, which follows a whirlwind romance between a stripper and a Russian oligarch’s son, took home Best Picture. One of the film’s real-life dancers texted the BBC’s Noor Nanji, calling it “insane” that a story about sex workers could triumph at the Oscars, adding that she hoped it would challenge public perceptions of her community.
2. Wicked’s Magical Moment
We all expected Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to deliver when they performed Defying Gravity from Wicked, but they went above and beyond. Grande, in a dazzling red sequined dress, opened with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, before Erivo took the stage in a flowing white gown for the powerhouse duet.
The performance earned a standing ovation, proving the Wicked duo are ready to enchant cinemas later this year.
3. Halle Berry’s ‘Payback’ Kiss
The night’s most talked-about red carpet moment? Halle Berry planting a kiss on Adrien Brody, recreating their infamous Oscars smooch from 2003 when Brody spontaneously kissed Berry after winning Best Actor.
Berry called it “payback” and assured reporters that Brody’s partner, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, was fine with it.
4. Kylie & Timothée Steal the Show
Inside the ceremony, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet were caught sharing a kiss and laughing together. The reality star was there to support Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor , though the award ultimately went to none other than Brody.
5. Adam Sandler’s Hoodie Hijinks
Dressed in his signature hoodie and shorts, Adam Sandler became the target of host Conan O’Brien’s jokes. After Conan compared his outfit to “a guy playing video poker at 2am,” Sandler pretended to storm out, only to break into a playful chant of “Chalamet!” in a callback to a past SNL sketch.
6. Honouring LA Firefighters
Against the backdrop of devastating Los Angeles wildfires that claimed 29 lives, the Oscars paused for a powerful tribute to the city’s firefighters. Welcomed onstage by Conan, the first responders even got to deliver some of the night’s edgiest jokes including a zinger about Joker 2 losing its set to the flames.
7. Zoë Saldaña’s Historic Win
Zoë Saldaña earned her first Oscar, winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, a musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord. Her emotional speech celebrated her immigrant roots, her family’s sacrifices, and her pride in being the first Dominican-American to win an acting Oscar.
8. Visa Drama Ends in Victory
Iranian animators Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani barely made it to the ceremony after a visa battle that lasted weeks. They arrived at LAX just hours before showtime, changed into formal wear in the airport restroom, and went on to win Best Animated Short for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Their speech celebrated perseverance, and the power of storytelling.
9. Politics, Protest, and Provocation
Politics made its way into the ceremony, with Daryl Hannah saluting Ukraine onstage and the team behind No Other Land, a documentary set in the West Bank, wearing Palestinian scarves and calling out US policy during their acceptance speech.
Host Conan also snuck in a sharp joke about Anora’s success, quipping: “Americans love seeing someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”
The 2025 Oscars proved that even after nearly a century, the Academy Awards can still surprise, delight, and spark debate. From red carpet reunions to history-making wins, it was a night Hollywood won’t forget anytime soon.
