Standout Moments From The Oscars 2025

The 2025 Academy Awards were nothing short of spectacular, with a mix of emotional speeches, historic wins, and unexpected moments that will surely go down in Oscar history. Here are the standout moments from the evening:

Anora Dominates the Night

One of the biggest surprises of the night came from Anora, which swept the Oscars with five major awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film’s unexpected dominance was a highlight, leaving audiences and critics alike in awe. Mikey Madison’s emotional acceptance speech for Best Actress was a moment of pure raw emotion, as she thanked her fellow cast members and dedicated her win to her late mentor, who had always believed in her. The film’s director also had a tearful moment when receiving the Best Picture award, acknowledging the hard work and collaboration that brought Anora to life.

Adrien Brody’s Best Actor Win

Adrien Brody’s win for The Brutalist was one of the most dramatic moments of the night. Many thought this would be a fierce race, with Brody facing off against heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, but the actor stunned everyone by taking home the Best Actor award. Brody’s emotional speech reflected on his evolution as an actor, thanking his family, his co-stars, and the director of The Brutalist for pushing him to new artistic heights.

Zoe Saldaña’s First Oscar

In a night full of standout performances, Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez stood out as a major breakthrough moment. Saldaña, long known for her iconic roles in blockbuster franchises, finally secured her first Oscar for her emotionally powerful portrayal of a woman torn between loyalty to her family and the desire for independence. Her speech was a heartfelt tribute to her heritage, and she shared the stage with her children, who proudly watched as their mother made history.

Kieran Culkin’s Supporting Actor Victory

Kieran Culkin’s win for Best Supporting Actor was one of the night’s most well-deserved moments. Known for his sharp wit and complex performances, Culkin’s role in The Surrogate resonated deeply with the Academy voters. His acceptance speech was filled with humility and gratitude as he thanked his co-stars, family, and director for allowing him to take on such a transformative role. His win highlighted his impressive range and solidified his place among Hollywood’s most respected actors.

Tribute to Angela Lansbury

The ceremony included an emotional tribute to the legendary Angela Lansbury, who passed away late last year. The tribute featured clips from her iconic performances, including her work in Murder, She Wrote and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The crowd stood in a standing ovation as her legacy was celebrated. Lansbury’s children, who were in attendance, expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and the industry alike.

Historic Tie for Best Director

In an unprecedented moment, the Oscars 2025 saw a historic tie for Best Director. Both Anora’s director and The Brutalist’s director were recognized for their groundbreaking work, an honor that left the audience speechless. The directors embraced each other on stage, sharing a moment of unity and mutual respect. This was the first time in decades that the Academy had awarded two directors in this category, signaling a shift in the recognition of diverse storytelling and directorial vision.

Beyoncé’s Show-Stopping Performance

Beyoncé’s performance of the Oscar-nominated song “Freedom” from Emilia Pérez was one of the most electrifying moments of the evening. Dressed in a stunning gold gown, she brought the house down with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. The performance had the audience on their feet, and the star was visibly emotional as she received a standing ovation.

Red Carpet Fashion Hits New Heights

The 2025 Oscars red carpet was as glamorous as ever, with celebrities showing off bold fashion choices that captivated the cameras. From Mikey Madison’s ethereal white gown to Zoe Saldaña’s striking emerald green dress, the night was a visual feast. One of the most talked-about looks was from newcomer actress Lila Grace, who made her first Oscar appearance in a stunning custom-designed piece that turned heads and sparked social media buzz.

The Wilds Wins Best Animated Feature

The award for Best Animated Feature went to The Wilds, a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a group of kids living in a remote forest. The film’s creators gave an emotional speech, thanking their animation team and the kids who inspired the story. The speech was an intimate moment of connection as they expressed gratitude for the film’s universal themes of friendship and self-discovery.

Robert De Niro’s Surprise Appearance

The evening was capped off by a surprise appearance from the legendary Robert De Niro, who made a rare public appearance to present the final award of the evening, Best Picture. The moment sent shockwaves through the theater, and De Niro’s presence was met with loud applause. As he presented the coveted award to Anora, he shared a few words about the power of storytelling and how films like Anora continue to shape and influence generations.

The 2025 Oscars were filled with standout moments, emotional speeches, and unforgettable surprises that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. From historic wins to performances that left everyone in awe, the night was a true celebration of the magic of cinema. It was a reminder of how much talent, creativity, and hard work go into making the films we love, and how the Academy continues to evolve in recognizing and honoring the best of the best.