By Adrianna Astudillo, Contributing Writer
The 2025 Oscars were nothing short of spectacular.
From jaw-dropping entrances to unforgettable performances, the golden night at the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Boulevard was the place to be and the show to watch on Mar. 2 at 7 P.M.
Let’s take a moment to relive some of the most glamorous performances, cinematic achievements, and historic wins.
The ceremony commenced with a spellbinding performance by the stars of Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Erivo and Grande delivered renditions of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Defying Gravity,” captivating the audience worldwide.
Grande, who portrays Glinda in the film, donned a ruby gown adorned with 150,000 Siam sequins, Swarovski crystals, and a three-dimensional red heel protruding out the back of the dress. With this dress, Grande paid homage to the actress who played Dorthy, Judy Garland, and her iconic ruby slippers she wore in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Anora (2024) a modern Cinderella that is mixed with a Russian oligarchy story directed by Sean Baker, dominated the night, winning five Oscars, including “Best Picture” and “Best Director.” Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the main character, Anora, earned her the “Best Actress” award, surprising many who anticipated Demi Moore’s win for The Substance.
Adrien Brody secured the “Best Actor” Oscar for his role in The Brutalist (2024), a movie about a man fleeing his country for a new life. Bordy’s acceptance speech for the award drew attention for its length, and host Conan O’Brien humorously addressed Brody’s speech in one of his monologues, which added a lighthearted moment to the evening.
Kieran Culkin won “Best Supporting Actor” for A Real Pain (2024) while Zoé Saldaña, a famous actress primarily known from Guardians of the Galaxy, made history as the first woman of Dominican descent to win “Best Supporting Actress” for her role in Emilia Pérez.
Saldaña’s emotional speech, in which she FaceTimed her sons and called out to her mother, added such raw sentimental feeling to the ceremony.
A high-energy James Bond tribute featured American rapper Doja Cat, British singer Raye, and Lisa, a Thai artist from the band Blackpink. These beautiful women delivered a medley of the iconic spy series’ theme songs, celebrating our favorite spy, Double O Seven.
“My favorite part of the Oscars was Cynthia and Ariana opening the show with songs from Wicked and Wizard of Oz! Although, they did not win their categories they won the night with their amazing performance.” Lily Glasgow, a junior studying in the nursing program, remarks.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars showcased a blend of surprises, historic achievements, and memorable performances, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary cinema. The ceremony not only honored outstanding films and performances but also highlighted the evolving landscape of the film industry.
And if you missed this wonderous night, don’t fret! The ceremony can be streamed on Hulu to rewatch the magic!
