The biggest film award ceremony in the world took place on Sunday, March 2nd, in Hollywood, the movie capital of the world. The 97th Academy Awards, more widely known as The Oscars, which celebrates nominees for best movies and film performances of the year, brought in 19.7 million viewers in America alone. The event delivered a night of what Hollywood is all about: captivating performances, artistic achievement (predictable or controversial), and a red carpet of stunning celebrity style.
It is traditional for the Academy to line up performances from the nominees in the ‘Best Original Song’ category, however, this year none of the five nominees performed at the show. The producers said that the show would be “celebrating the filmmaking community and some of its legends.”
“Wicked” co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande stole the show right when it began, opening the ceremony’s broadcast with a medley of songs from “The Wizard of Oz,” to their Oscar-nominated musical film “Wicked”. Grande kicked it off with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” after a tribute to Los Angeles for the devastating wildfires in January. Then, Erivo sang “Home” from “The Wiz,” before they joined together to sing “Defying Gravity,” a fan favorite from the end of Wicked’s first act.
Among other musical performers were Doja Cat with a rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever” from the James Bond film of the same name and RAYE with a cover of Adele’s “Skyfall” in a tribute to the iconic music of the James Bond franchise.
Moving on, the three hour and 45 minute show included presentations of the winners of the categories Actor in a Supporting Role, Animated Feature Film, Animated Short, Costume Design, Writing (Original Screenplay), Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Makeup & Hairstyling, Film Editing, Actress in a Supporting Role, Production Design, Music (Original Song), Documentary Short, Documentary Feature, Sound, Visual Effects, Live-Action Short, Cinematography, International Feature Film, Music (Original Score), Actor in a Leading Role, Directing, Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Picture, in that order.
The independent comedy/romance movie “Anora” took home an astonishing five honors, including best picture and actress. In the ‘Best Actor’ category, Adrien Brody won for his role in “The Brutalist,” his second win since he became the youngest Best Actor winner at 29 years old in 2003. Brody accepted his 2025 award with the longest Oscar acceptance speech in history.
Movie musical “Emilia Pérez” went into the ceremony with the most nominations, 13, yet only left with two wins, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana.
“Wicked,” which broke several box office records including highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation, biggest opening weekend, and Universal’s second-highest grossing film of the year, went in with 10 nominations and came out with wins in the Best Costume Design and Best Production Design categories.
The Oscar Ceremony’s attendees were not just there to win, though, they were there to make a statement with their pre-show red carpet looks. Here were some of the “best-dressed,” most memorable looks of the evening.
Ariana Grande was photographed in a baby pink, three-dimensional strapless Schiaparelli dress. Model Anok Yai showcased a peach mermaid-shaped gown accessorized with a black feather boa, both custom Marni. Musician and “White Lotus” star made a statement in a floor-length suit jacket and wide-legged trousers, proving menswear can be for everyone.
On the male side, Timothée Chalamet arrived in a shiny, butter-yellow, custom Givenchy suit, bringing a fun pop of color into the room and onto television screens. Andrew Garfield posed in a monochrome fit starring a brown Gucci suit and sunglasses. Actor Bowen Yang appeared in a leather suit with colorful embroidery on the jacket and a pink, ruffled shirt.
All in all, the 2025 Oscars Ceremony was a night of entertainment and a way to recognize the best of the best. Now, it is time to look forward to another year of unique film performances in preparation for the 98th annual Academy Awards in 2026.