An evening to remember: The 2025 Academy Awards

0

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.

Talented actors such as Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison are proud to achieve their Oscars for the 2025 Academy Awards.(Photo was taken from Instagram @theacademy)

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.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo after their stunning performance at the 2025 Academy Awards, where they captivated the audience with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Defying Gravity.” (Photo was taken from Instagram @theacademy)

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!

Social Media
Share.

About Author

The Lions' Pride is a student-run news organization dedicated to sharing the voice of our Saint Leo community. Our mission is to uphold the Benedictine values, support First Amendment rights, and provide informative and thought-provoking journalism without fear of interference or reprisal.

Leave A Reply

Please spread the word!