The 97th Academy Awards had it all—blinding performances, cringe-worthy mishaps and memorable speeches. Presenting the evening was Conan O’Brien, who kept the balance going between warm tributes and edgy humour. From spine-tingling musical numbers to on-stage gaffes, here’s a rundown of the 2025 Oscars’ best, worst and most cringeworthy moments.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Show-Stopping Opening
The ceremony got underway with a thrilling performance by Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Their Wizard of Oz and The Wiz medley, capped off by Defying Gravity, left everyone agog. Grande even wore three pairs of ruby slippers, demonstrating that more is more on Hollywood’s biggest night. The standing ovation was the prelude to an evening of rejoicing.
Most ‘Ooooohh’: Conan O’Brien’s Risky Joke
Conan O’Brien didn’t hesitate to push the envelope, making a joke about Anora’s record-breaking F-word usage, then connecting it to Karla Sofía Gascón’s social media past. The groans and tense laughter from the audience indicated that although the joke hit, it was on the precipice. Gascón, being the good sport that she is, blew a kiss back, easing the tension with poise.
Most Unfairly Maligned: Adam Sandler’s ‘Casual Chic’
Once again, Adam Sandler demonstrated that red carpet conventions have no use for him. Wearing his trademark hoodie and hoops shorts, he blended in among the glamour and glitz. Conan made light of Sandler’s casual fashion sense, but come on—do we really expect anything less from the lord of loungewear?
Best Acceptance Speech: Kieran Culkin’s Playful Proposal
Kieran Culkin, who just won for A Real Pain, gave the most sentimental speech of the evening. Recalling his Emmy moment, he jokingly prodded his wife, Jazz Charton, regarding their bet to have four children if he won an Oscar. “No pressure,” he quipped, as the crowd laughed and clapped. A clean highlight amidst an otherwise unpredictable evening.
Read More: Oscars 2025: A Full List of Winners
Worst Use of a Group Chat: Bowen Yang’s Costume Confusion
As stars converged to celebrate Best Costume Design nominees, Bowen Yang took it all the way with an elaborate Wicked-themed costume—only to realise everyone else didn’t bother getting dressed up. Lily-Rose Depp and John Lithgow couldn’t keep the secondhand embarrassment to themselves, but Yang’s dedication to the bit at least earned some laughs.
From heartwarming moments to cringe-worthy flubs, the 2025 Oscars lived up to spectacle and surprises.
Until next year!
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