Memorable Oscar 2025 Moments

3 minute(s) · March 3, 2025

The 2025 Oscars featured historic wins, emotional speeches, dazzling performances, and heartfelt tributes, with Sean Baker's Anora winning Best Picture, Adrien Brody making history, and memorable moments from Zoe Saldaña, Kieran Culkin, and a James Bond tribute.

The Oscars were filled with smiles, but one stood out—Sean Baker, whose film "Anora" won Best Picture, while he personally claimed four awards. Mikey Madison took home Best Actress.

Adrien Brody made history, winning Best Actor for "The Brutalist"—22 years after his first Oscar for "The Pianist." Playing another Holocaust survivor, he delivered an uninterrupted speech, resisting the playoff music.

The night featured heartfelt moments, including a tribute to firefighters and a Best Original Song award presented by Mick Jagger. John Lithgow provided comic relief by playfully looking "slightly disappointed" when speeches ran long. Timothée Chalamet’s bright yellow suit also made waves.

‘Wicked’ Opening

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo dazzled in a "Wizard of Oz"-themed medley, performing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Home," and "Defying Gravity." Los Angeles, recently battered by wildfires, was symbolically transformed into Oz. The show opened with film clips celebrating L.A. as a backdrop, including "La La Land," "Straight Outta Compton," and "Iron Man 2."

Kieran Culkin’s Family Bargain

Culkin humorously reminded his wife, Jazz Charton, of their deal: an Oscar win meant planning for a third and fourth child. "No pressure, I love you. Now let’s get cracking on those kids!" Later, "I’m Not a Robot" director Victoria Warmerdam countered his joke, saying, "To my producer and partner in life, Trent: I’m not having your babies because of this statue.

Bond and Tribute Segments

A James Bond tribute featured Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye performing classic theme songs. Halle Berry honored longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli as the franchise transitioned to Amazon MGM. The tribute opened with Margaret Qualley performing an acrobatic dance to the James Bond theme.

Morgan Freeman led the in memoriam tribute to Gene Hackman, who passed away last week. Other honorees included Teri Garr, Donald Sutherland, Louis Gossett Jr., Shelley Duvall, David Lynch, Bob Newhart, Gena Rowlands, Maggie Smith, and James Earl Jones. A separate segment honored music legend Quincy Jones.

The Oscars once again delivered dazzling performances, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments.