The 2025 Oscars Delivered Joy, Controversy & Snubs – Here’s the Full Breakdown

The 97th Academy Awards was a night filled with memorable wins, snubs, and show-stopping performances, reinforcing the power and impact of cinema in 2024. As always, the Oscars provided moments of joy, controversy, and historic milestones that will be discussed for years to come.

The night kicked off with a stunning performance from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who delivered a powerhouse rendition of “Defying Gravity” alongside a medley of songs from The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz. Their stage presence was commanding, and Erivo’s solo left the audience in awe, proving once again why she is one of the most gifted vocalists of our time.

Conan O’Brien, known for his quick wit, brought his comedic flair to the ceremony, opening the show with a skit inspired by The Substance, where he humorously transformed into Demi Moore’s counterpart in a gruesome yet hilarious bit. Adam Sandler, rocking his signature blue hoodie and shorts, kept the laughs coming, sharing playful banter with Timothée Chalamet. O’Brien later led a vibrant dance number featuring a drum solo by Sand Dune and a surprise cameo from Deadpool, ending with a humorous presentation of golden Conan-shaped Oscar trophies.

Notable Wins and Historic Moments

Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, a well-earned victory in a competitive category. However, some were surprised by Denzel Washington’s absence from the ballot, as many believed he carried Gladiator 2 with his performance.

Flow won Best Animated Feature, a fantastic film, though my personal pick would have been The Wild Robot or Inside Out 2.

One of the night’s most historic wins came when Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. His speech was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the women who inspired him, including Irene Sharaff, Ann Lowe, and Ruth Carter. Tazewell’s win was long overdue and a major milestone in Oscar history.

Anora, written by Sean Baker, claimed Best Original Screenplay, though my preference leaned toward Conclave or Nickel Boys for Best Adapted Screenplay—two films that stood out as some of my favorites this year.

Show-Stopping Performances

Musical performances added energy to the night, with Live and Let Die featuring Margaret Qualley, Diamonds Are Forever performed by K-pop sensation Lisa of Blackpink, and a sultry rendition of Skyfall by Raye that was just as mesmerizing as Adele’s original.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph graced the stage in a breathtaking gown to announce Best Supporting Actress, which went to Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez. Another anticipated category, Best Documentary Feature, went to No Other Land, with filmmakers delivering a deeply moving speech calling for peace and justice.

Coleman Domingo, ever the charismatic presence, brought joy to the ceremony, turning his presentation into a mini BBQ moment, dancing along to Frankie Beverly and Maze’s Before I Let Go. His energy was infectious, proving why he remains a fan favorite.

The Night’s Biggest Wins

Best Visual Effects deservedly went to Dune: Part Two, which improved upon its predecessor in both storytelling and technical achievements. Morgan Freeman’s tribute to Gene Hackman was another highlight, reflecting on their collaborations and Hackman’s legendary career.

The In Memoriam segment honored industry greats such as John Amos, Art Evans, Barry Michael Cooper, James Earl Jones, and Louis Gossett Jr., ensuring their legacies live on.

I’m Still Here took home Best International Feature Film, a breathtaking film that had been on my radar, while The Brutalist scored Best Original Score. 

Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah’s tribute to Quincy Jones, followed by Queen Latifah’s energetic performance, was a nice gesture. However, I believe a more comprehensive tribute, perhaps including clips of his iconic film scores or testimonials from filmmakers, would have better honored his significant legacy.

Adrien Brody claimed Best Actor for The Brutalist, though my personal pick was Coleman Domingo, who delivered a masterclass performance in Sing Sing. Similarly, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for Anora, but I was rooting for Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) or Demi Moore (The Substance).

Sean Baker’s Anora was the night’s biggest winner, taking home Best Picture, further cementing the rise of independent cinema. Though it wasn’t my top pick, I commend the film’s artistic merit and impact on the industry.

Final Thoughts

The 97th Academy Awards was an entertaining and engaging ceremony, with Conan O’Brien proving to be an excellent host. While there were well-deserved wins, there were also notable snubs, leaving many questioning how the selection process can evolve to better represent the best in cinema. As a voting member of Critics Choice and the African American Film Critics Association, I do my best to watch and highlight impactful films, particularly those from Black and Brown filmmakers. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited for another year of incredible storytelling and hope to see even more diverse and groundbreaking work recognized.

Until then, be sure to support your local filmmakers and catch the Oscars replay on Hulu or ABC.com.

Full List of 97th Oscar Winners:

Best Picture: Anora Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora) Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora) Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora) Best Adapted Screenplay: The Brutalist Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil) Best Animated Feature: Flow Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land Best Cinematography: The Brutalist Best Film Editing: Sean Baker (Anora) Best Production Design: Wicked Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell (Wicked) Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Emilia Pérez Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two Best Sound: Dune: Part Two Best Original Score: Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist) Best Original Song: “Emilia’s Song” from Emilia Pérez Best Animated Short Film: The Wild Robot Best Live Action Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra Best Documentary Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress