The 97th Annual Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd. Conan O’Brien held a show for the first time in Oscar history. Below are some of the top moments people spoke to on social media:
Memorable performances during the awards
The Oscars began with a medley of songs played by “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Eribo. Rumors about the performance have been circulating online for several weeks, and the combination of “Wiz” “Home” in “Wiz” and “Someone above the Rainbow” from “Home” from “Gravity” from “Evil” has definitely exceeded expectations.
There was another medley of the evening, where K-Pop Group Blackpink, Doja Cat and Raye’s Popstars Lisa performed the lead tracks of James Bond Franchise “Live and Let Die”, “Diamonds Are Forever”, and “Skyfall.”
“Wiz” created a splash after the show when Queen Latifah performed “Down The Road On The Road” in honor of the late Quincy Jones, the film’s music producer.
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Comedian gets the final laugh
From the moment Conan O’Brien took the stage for his opening monologue, it was clear to both the viewers at home and those inside the Dolby Theatre that the crowd was ready to be by his side and laugh. He came through what many have come to expect from comedians who host award shows.
He provided an even more fun bit throughout the show. This includes a PR pivot to bring people back to cinemas by pitching as a “cinema stream.” In this sketch, O’Brien, who sells film watchers under the concept of “building for movies,” reported that “we took 800 smartphones, glued everything together, and made one huge smartphone.” The video also included a surprising cameo from director Martin Scorsese who ended the bit by telling potential customers to “tell Marty that he sent to you.”
But O’Brien wasn’t the only star who got a big laugh throughout the evening. “Saturday Night Live” and “Wicked” star Bowenyan was one of five actors presenting the best costume design categories, but unlike his fellow presenters, he was the only person in the costumes in the film. Yang joked with fellow presenters, including John Lithgow, but they joked that they could have informed him in group chat in advance that they had decided to bail the idea all.
See: Oscar 2025: Kieran Culkin wins first award, tribute to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Eribo Pay Oz
Historic victory
Paul Tazewell became the first black man to win the best costume design category for his work on “Wicked.” Zoe Saldana became the first Dominican-American actor to win an Academy Award after winning the best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Perez.” “I’m still here,” he won Best International Film, winning Brazil’s first Oscar.
When Harry meets Sally again
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan from Harry Met Surrey were reunited on stage at the Dolby Theatre, introducing the evening’s final awards and best picture. Crystal nodded to the film by putting a fun spin on one of the famous lines.
An unexpected victory will take the viewer away
Throughout this year’s awards season, Demi Moore has received the Best Actress Category Award for her role in “Materials.” However, the award was sent to breakout star Mikey Madison for her role in “Anora.”
Madison expressed his gratitude for her acceptance speech, saying, “I grew up in Los Angeles and I always felt that Hollywood was far from me, so I really can’t believe I’m standing in this room today.”
Many viewers expressed mixed emotions online, with one user saying, “Look, it’s fine… I love Mickey Madison, but Demi Moore was taken away.” Another exclaimed with a more optimistic view. “Demi Moore has won many awards this season and she has been featured in a new young audience. I really hope that good scripts are stacked on her desk.
Original release: March 2, 2025 11:55pm EST
