The Oscars 2025 Recap is here, and this year’s Academy Awards had everything—unexpected wins, viral kisses, jaw-dropping performances, and powerful political statements. From Mikey Madison’s surprise Best Actress win to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande defying gravity on stage, here are the biggest moments from Hollywood’s biggest night.
Mikey Madison’s Cinderella Moment
Mikey Madison shocked the world by winning Best Actress for Anora, beating longtime favorite Demi Moore. At just 25 years old, Madison’s rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her performance as a sex worker entangled in a doomed romance with a Russian oligarch’s son captivated audiences and critics alike.
The film also won Best Picture, making history as one of the few movies centered on sex workers to take home the top prize. Edie Turquet, one of the film’s dancers, texted reporters calling the win “insane” but hoped it would help humanize marginalized stories.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Spellbinding Performance
Fans had high expectations, but Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s live rendition of Defying Gravity from Wicked still exceeded them. Erivo, dressed in a stunning white gown, hit the song’s final high note to a standing ovation.
Grande, who opened the show with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, also turned heads on the red carpet in a champagne Schiaparelli gown. Social media exploded with memes about her dress, with one user joking, “How is she supposed to sit in that?”
A Kiss 22 Years in the Making
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Halle Berry surprised Adrien Brody with a kiss on the red carpet. It was a callback to the 2003 Oscars when Brody, fresh off his Best Actor win, kissed Berry while accepting his award.
Berry told reporters she “had to pay him back” and only did it because Brody’s girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, was totally on board. The official Oscars account even posted the moment, calling it “a reunion 22 years in the making.”
Oscars 2025 Recap: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s PDA
Inside the Dolby Theatre, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet shared a kiss as cameras flashed. The reality star and beauty mogul was there supporting Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor. However, he lost to Adrien Brody, bringing his career full circle since his famous 2003 win.
Adam Sandler Steals the Show—In a Hoodie
Comedian Conan O’Brien, this year’s host, took playful digs at Adam Sandler’s casual fashion. At one point, Sandler, dressed in a blue hoodie and shorts, pretended to storm out of the theater. He even reenacted his famous SNL skit by dramatically calling out “Chalamet!” to his friend Timothée
Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Speech
Winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, Zoe Saldaña delivered one of the night’s most moving speeches. Through tears, she thanked her mother, calling her “Mommy” from the stage. She also honored her Dominican roots, saying, “I know I won’t be the last” Latina to win an Oscar.
Iranian Filmmakers Overcome Visa Hurdles
Filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani barely made it to the ceremony after struggling for weeks to secure U.S. visas. Their animated short In the Shadow of the Cypress won, and they dedicated the award to overcoming obstacles in their homeland.
Oscars 2025 Recap: A Night of Political Statements
As always, politics found its way into the Oscars. Conan O’Brien joked about Anora winning big, saying Americans love “seeing someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” The team behind No Other Land made a bold statement by wearing Palestinian scarves on the red carpet and calling out U.S. policy in their speech.
Despite the night’s many political moments, one name was noticeably absent—Donald Trump. In past years, Hollywood didn’t hold back on jabs at the U.S. president, but this time, he wasn’t mentioned at all.
The Oscars 2025 Recap: A Night to Remember
From historic wins to viral moments, the Oscars 2025 Recap proves that this year’s ceremony will be talked about for years to come. Whether it was Mikey Madison’s Cinderella moment, Ariana Grande’s show-stopping performance, or Adam Sandler’s hilarious antics, the night had something for everyone.
