Alright, movie buffs, awards season is officially a wrap!
And what a night it was at the 97th Academy Awards.
Forget the long speeches (okay, maybe not *all* of them), the real show was the fashion, the upsets, and of course, the glorious moment when someone finally gets to clutch that golden statue.
Let’s dive headfirst into the highlights, shall we?
Anora Steals the Show: From Indie Darling to Oscar Royalty
Sean Baker’s *Anora*, the indie film that dared to ask, “What if a sex worker married a Russian oligarch’s son?”, truly cleaned up.
It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Taking home five awards, including Best Picture, *Anora* proved that you don’t need a mega-budget to make a mega-impact.
It was a victory for independent cinema and a testament to Baker’s vision.
Who needs superheroes when you have compelling storytelling, am I right?
“Anora” accepts the Oscar for Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards
Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut: Did He Nail It?
Taking the reins from seasoned pro Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien made his Oscars hosting debut.
Did he deliver?
Well, let’s just say the internet is buzzing.
From his opening monologue poking fun at everything from the early start time to *Emilia Pérez* star Karla Sofía Gascón, Conan brought his signature wit and charm.
A little self-deprecating humor, a dash of pop culture references, and voilà!
A memorable night, wouldn’t you agree?
Whether he’ll be back next year is anyone’s guess, but he definitely left his mark.
Go behind-the-scenes of the 97th Annual Academy Awards in this live coverage video
Red Carpet Rundown: The Hits, The Misses, and the “Did They Really Wear That?” Moments
Ah, the red carpet – where fashion dreams are made and broken.
Zoe Saldaña stunned in a custom Saint Laurent gown, while Ariana Grande went full-on Glinda with a Schiaparelli haute couture number that had some folks comparing her to a toilet roll dolly (ouch!).
Cynthia Erivo’s deep green velvet Louis Vuitton gown was *Gone with the Wind* wide, making everyone wonder if the Dolby Theatre needed to widen its doorways.
And let’s not forget the accessories: Charlotte Lawrence’s kitten purse?
Adorable or bizarre?
You decide!
But sometimes it’s not all smooth sailing, remember Andrew Scott?
He *literally* passed a kidney stone at the SAG awards in 2020.
Talk about dedication to your craft!
The Snubs and Surprises: Who Got Robbed?
Every year, there are those head-scratching moments when deserving nominees go home empty-handed.
While *Emilia Pérez* led the pack with 13 nominations, it only snagged two wins.
Was it the Karla Sofía Gascón controversy?
Or just a case of too much hype?
And what about Demi Moore’s *The Substance*?
While she ultimately won Best Actress, many thought she had it in the bag months ago.
Musical Magic: Wicked Takes Flight (and Other Performances That Soared)
The *Wicked* duo, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, kicked off the night with a medley that had everyone reaching for their tissues (or maybe that was just me).
Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa from Blackpink brought the energy with a showstopping celebration of cinema.
And Queen Latifah delivered a heartfelt tribute to Quincy Jones.
But let’s be honest, nothing could top Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” performance from last year.
Karate chops and pink suits?
Iconic!
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Perform a WICKED Medley at Oscars 2025
In a world where blockbusters often overshadow smaller, more intimate films, the Oscars 2025 served as a reminder of the power and importance of independent cinema.
These films often take greater risks, tackle more challenging subjects, and provide opportunities for emerging talent to shine.
As Sean Baker eloquently pleaded, movie theaters, especially the independently-owned ones, need our support now more than ever!
Key Takeaways from the Oscars 2025:
- Anora’s Triumph: Indie films can conquer Hollywood.
- Conan’s Debut: A fresh perspective shakes things up.
- Red Carpet Risks: Fashion is always a gamble.
- The Power of Music: Performances can make or break a show.
- Indie Spirit: Independent filmmakers deliver meaningful content.
Complete List Of Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | Anora, Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Sean Baker, Producers |
| Best Director | Sean Baker, Anora |
| Actor in a Leading Role | Adrien Brody, The Brutalist |
| Actress in a Leading Role | Mikey Madison, Anora |
| Actor in a Supporting Role | Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain |
| Actress in a Supporting Role | Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez |
| Adapted Screenplay | Conclave, Screenplay by Peter Straughan |
| Original Screenplay | Anora, Written by Sean Baker |
| Animated Feature Film | Flow |
| International Feature Film | Im Still Here, Brazil |
| Documentary Feature Film | Porcelain War |
| Cinematography | The Brutalist, Lol Crawley |
| Costume Design | Wicked, Paul Tazewell |
| Production Design | Wicked, Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales |
| Film Editing | Conclave, Nick Emerson |
| Makeup and Hairstyling | The Substance, PierreOlivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli |
| Original Score | Wicked, John Powell and Stephen Schwartz |
| Original Song | El Mal from Emilia Pérez, Music by Clément Ducol and Camille Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard |
| Sound | A Complete Unknown, Tod A Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey and David Giammarco |
| Visual Effects | Dune Part Two |
| Animated Short Film | Yuck!, Loïc Espuche and Juliette Marquet |
| Documentary Short Film | The Only Girl In the Orchestra, Molly OBrien and Lisa Remington |
| Live Action Short Film | The Last Ranger, Cindy Lee and Darwin Shaw |
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Hollywood?
So, what’s the big takeaway from the Oscars 2025?
Maybe it’s that Hollywood is finally embracing diverse stories and perspectives.
Perhaps it’s a sign that indie films are here to stay.
Or maybe it’s just a reminder that even in a chaotic world, we can still come together to celebrate the power of storytelling.
But hey, that’s just my take.
What did *you* think of the Oscars 2025?
Who were you rooting for?
And more importantly, what were your favorite red carpet looks?
Let’s chat in the comments below!
Future Showbiz Predictions?
– The New Era
Alright friends, the curtain has closed on the 97th Academy Awards, but what does this all mean for the future of the silver screen?
Buckle up, butter your popcorn and let’s gaze into our crystal ball for a few educated guesses about the changing landscape of Hollywood.
The Continued Rise of Indie Powerhouses
Anora’s big win wasn’t just a fluke; it’s a sign of things to come.
Expect more studios and streaming services to invest in smaller, character-driven projects that take risks and push boundaries.
We might even see A-list stars clamoring for roles in these indie darlings to flex their acting chops beyond superhero franchises.
Think gritty, think raw, think… real.
Conan’s Influence on Future Hosts
Whether Conan O’Brien returns to host the Oscars again or not, his debut performance has undoubtedly set a new bar for the gig.
His self-deprecating humor and willingness to poke fun at the industry (and himself) resonated with viewers.
Expect future hosts to take a page from his playbook by balancing irreverence with genuine appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
More jokes, less stuffy speeches, please!
Fashion Forward: The Red Carpet Evolution
The red carpet is always a battlefield of fashion, but after the 2025 show, expect more celebrities to embrace bolder, more experimental looks.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda-inspired ensemble showed that stars are willing to take risks and make statements beyond the standard black-tie attire.
Bring on the avant-garde, the sustainable designs, and the “did they really wear that?” moments that keep us talking for days!
Diversity and Inclusion Will Be More Than Just a Buzzword
The success of films like Anora and the recognition of diverse talent throughout the night highlight the importance of inclusivity in Hollywood.
Moving forward, expect more studios to prioritize casting choices that reflect the world we live in and to support stories from underrepresented voices.
It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about telling authentic and compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Streaming Wars Will Intensify (But Theaters Might Actually Survive)
Streaming services will continue to battle it out for our attention (and our subscription fees), but the Oscars 2025 served as a reminder of the magic of the theatrical experience.
Sean Baker’s plea to support independent cinemas was a powerful moment.
Maybe we’ll see a shift toward more collaborative relationships between streamers and theaters, with exclusive theatrical releases for certain films before they hit the digital platforms.
A win-win for everyone!
Alright, that’s my two cents.
What are YOUR predictions for the future of showbiz?
Hit the comments below and let’s discuss!
Oscars 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest surprise of the Oscars 2025?
The biggest surprise was arguably *Anora*’s dominance, winning Best Picture and several other awards, proving that independent films can achieve major success.
Who hosted the Oscars 2025?
Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars 2025, making his debut as the awards show’s emcee.
Which film had the most nominations but didn’t win big?
*Emilia Pérez* led with 13 nominations but only won two awards, making it one of the night’s biggest snubs.
What was a highlight of the musical performances?
The *Wicked* duo, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, kicked off the night with a memorable medley performance.
Reflecting on the 97th Academy Awards
The Oscars 2025 showcased a blend of surprises, triumphs for independent cinema, and memorable performances.
Whether it was Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut or *Anora*’s unexpected sweep, the event left a lasting impression on the landscape of Hollywood and awards season.
