Oscar Night Highlights: Emotional Wins, Flashy Openings, and Fun Moments
The 2025 Oscars had a mix of tear-jerking speeches, unexpected moments, and a few surprising calls from the stage. Here are some of the standout highlights that made this year’s ceremony one to remember.
Zoe Saldaña’s Heartfelt Win
Zoe Saldaña was already a favorite for Best Supporting Actress, but that didn’t make her victory any less emotional. Accepting the award for her role in Emilia Pérez, she tearfully spoke about her immigrant roots, honoring her grandmother who came to the U.S. in 1961.
Saldaña, the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award, reflected on the significance of the moment: “My grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted. This is for her.”
Her win capped off a phenomenal awards season, where she also took home the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and SAG awards for her role as lawyer Rita Mora Castro.
A ‘Wicked’ Opening
The night kicked off with an electrifying tribute to the Wizard of Oz, led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Grande, sparkling in a red dress, kicked off the performance with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” followed by Erivo’s breathtaking rendition of “Home” from The Wiz.
The duo then teamed up for “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, with Grande even kissing Erivo’s ring at the end. Los Angeles stood in for Oz in a sequence of iconic movie moments, before Conan O’Brien humorously joined in, pulling himself out of Demi Moore’s body—an unexpected nod to her film The Substance.
Kieran Culkin’s Oscar Family Drama
Kieran Culkin, who had previously joked about wanting more kids during his Emmy acceptance speech, raised the stakes at the Oscars. After his win, Culkin cheekily reminded his wife Jazz Charton that they had made a deal at the Emmys: If he won an Oscar, they’d have a third—and maybe even a fourth child. “I just have to say this to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith,” he said to the crowd’s delight. “Now let’s get cracking on those kids, what do you say?”
Later, director Victoria Warmerdam jokingly referenced Culkin’s “baby talk” after winning Best Live Action Short, saying, “I’m not having your babies because of this statue.”
James Bond Gets a Tribute
While no Bond film was up for an Oscar this year, there was a major 007 celebration. To honor the transfer of the franchise to Amazon MGM, the show featured three stunning performances: Lisa sang “Live and Let Die,” Doja Cat tackled “Diamonds Are Forever,” and Raye wowed the crowd with Skyfall.
The segment also paid tribute to longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are stepping back after decades of guiding the iconic franchise. Halle Berry took a moment to thank them for being the “heart and soul” of Bond.
Gene Hackman Honored by Morgan Freeman
In a somber moment, Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his friend and co-star Gene Hackman, who passed away earlier this week. Freeman recalled their time together on films like Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” Freeman shared.
The in memoriam segment also honored other beloved figures such as Terri Garr, Donald Sutherland, Shelley Duvall, and Maggie Smith. A separate tribute was dedicated to legendary composer Quincy Jones.
Adrien Brody’s ‘First Rodeo’ Moment
When the wrap-up music began to play during Adrien Brody’s speech, he took a bold stand. “I’m wrapping up, please turn the music off,” Brody said, staring directly into the camera. “It’s not my first rodeo, but I will be brief.” His no-nonsense response was a nod to his infamous moment at the 2003 Oscars when he famously interrupted the music during his win for The Pianist.
A Special Night for Los Angeles Firefighters
A heartfelt moment came when the Oscars audience gave a standing ovation to Los Angeles firefighters who had battled recent wildfires. The tribute highlighted their courage and the resilience of the city.
Timothée Chalamet’s Bold Fashion Choice
Timothée Chalamet was a red carpet sensation, turning heads in a bright yellow suit. The striking look sparked plenty of conversation and became one of the evening’s most talked-about fashion statements.
The 2025 Oscars delivered unforgettable moments, from emotional speeches and quirky family demands to stunning performances and heartfelt tributes. It was a night to celebrate not just the winners, but the spirit of cinema itself.
