The 2025 Oscars, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, was a night of pure class and comedic sass — history was made, and O’Brien delivered jokes galore.
The look on Demi Moore’s face after Mikey Madison’s name was called painted the picture for the night. Quite a few people, including Moore herself, expected “The Substance” to steal the show. However, that was not the case.
The film “Anora” took the red carpet by storm, with writer and director Sean Baker winning the “Best Original Screenplay,” “Best in Film Editing” and “Best Director.” Additionally, Madison won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” over Moore and other nominees for playing Anora, a young sex worker who gets a shot at a fairytale ending when she marries the son of a Russian mobster, according to IMDB. “Anora” also won the Oscar of the night, “Best Picture,” taking home five Oscars.
I was thrilled “Anora” stole the show. I saw it in the theater with my dad, which was a little awkward at first given some of the explicit scenes, but we both thought it was a one-of-a-kind film and enjoyed it. Also, it was powerful when Madison and Baker mentioned in their acceptance speeches that they recognize and honor the sex worker community. Plus, Baker noted that “Anora’s” success highlights the importance of independent film, and, by going to the physical theater to engage with movies in the community, one supports local theaters that have been struggling financially in today’s world.
History is always made at the Oscars, and this year was no exception. Both individuals and countries receive Oscars in certain categories for the first time or add another trophy to the shelf. At the 2025 Oscars, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win “Best Costume Design” for his work in “Wicked.” Tazewell’s Oscar is a major milestone for the Black community worldwide. I was ecstatic when Tazewell announced this news in his acceptance speech to inform people and received a standing ovation. Also, “Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi won ‘Best Animated Short Film’ for ‘In the Shadow of the Cypress,’ making it the second Iranian animated or live-action short film nominated and the first to win,” according to AP News.
While these wins made the night unforgettable, the Oscars also delivered many humorous, memorable moments. One of these was the opening scene where someone knocked on O’Brien’s door to inform him the show was ready to start, then a clip of Moore injecting herself in “The Substance” shows on-screen and O’Brien comes crawling out of the deformed body. I found that very comical and creative. Also, actor Adrien Brody, when he accepted the Oscar for “Best Actor in a Leading Role,” and actor Robert Downey Jr. were pure class, kind and down-to-earth. In addition, Adam Sandler never fails, showing up to the event in his casual hoodie and basketball shorts, getting called out by O’Brien and yelling at everyone in his Bobby Boucher-toned voice.
Overall, the Oscars were entertaining this year because of the variety of content and performances. “Wicked” actresses and singers Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage at the beginning of the ceremony after the “We Love LA” video, which ignited brilliance from the get-go. The “We Love LA” was a heartfelt moment. Dorothy tapped her red slippers together, saying she wanted to go “home,” while continuous QR codes encouraged donations to help with the devastation caused by the Palisades fires. Last but certainly not least, the LA firefighters were honored on stage and given a round of applause for their bravery, compassion and acts of valor, which was a touching reminder that unity means more than any award.
