Experience the Magic of Broadway at the Oscars
When the curtains rose at the 2025 Oscars, audiences were treated to a mesmerizing performance that bridged the gap between Broadway and Hollywood. As Glinda and Elphaba, portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, took the stage, the energy in the room was palpable. Grande's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" set the tone, before Erivo delivered a powerful performance of "Home" from The Wiz. Their combined performance of "Defying Gravity" left the audience in awe, culminating in a standing ovation that echoed through the theater. This electrifying moment not only showcased the talent of these two performers but also highlighted the enduring appeal of musical theater.
A Night of Historic Wins
The evening was marked by significant milestones for both the film and its creators. Among the ten nominations, "Wicked" emerged victorious in two categories. Paul Tazewell, the legendary costume designer, made history as the first Black man to win for Best Costume Design. His acceptance speech was heartfelt, thanking his team and the cast for their unwavering trust. “This is everything,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creativity. Tazewell's win underscored the film's commitment to diversity and excellence behind the scenes.
Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales also claimed victory for Best Production Design, adding another accolade to the film's growing list of achievements. Their work transformed the stage into a fantastical world, immersing viewers in the story of Glinda and Elphaba. The attention to detail in every set piece and backdrop contributed to the film's visual splendor, making it a standout production in the competitive world of cinema.
Memorable Moments and Inside Jokes
Beyond the performances and awards, the 2025 Oscars offered several memorable moments that delighted the audience. Bowen Yang, dressed in his full Shiz University uniform, presented the Best Costume Design award, adding a touch of humor and nostalgia. Host Conan O'Brien couldn't resist poking fun at the film, quipping, “It’s the perfect movie for anyone who’s ever finished watching The Wizard of Oz and thought, sure, but where did all the minor characters go to college? That’s the story!” These moments of levity provided a welcome break from the intensity of the awards ceremony, reminding everyone of the joy and camaraderie that comes with celebrating cinematic achievements.
Glimpses of the Future: Wicked: For Good
Before the show began, Cynthia Erivo teased the upcoming sequel, "Wicked: For Good," during an interview with Jesse Palmer on the red carpet. She hinted at the emotional depth and complexity of the new film, promising a narrative that explores the consequences of the characters' decisions. “These girls have to deal with the consequences of their actions, and it’s both joyful and heartbreaking,” she revealed. The sequel will feature familiar songs and introduce new elements that fans are sure to love. Scheduled for a November premiere, "Wicked: For Good" is poised to continue the legacy of this beloved franchise, captivating audiences with its timeless themes and compelling storytelling.
The 2025 Academy Awards, held shortly after the SAG Awards, brought an array of surprises that left many industry insiders and fans alike in awe. Speculation had been rife following the SAG Awards, where victories for Anora, Mikey Madison, and Adrien Brody led to doubts about their Oscar prospects. However, the Oscars proved to be a different story. Sean Baker's critically acclaimed film claimed the best picture award, while Madison emerged as a surprise winner for best actress, overshadowing veteran Demi Moore. Meanwhile, Brody secured the best actor trophy over Timothée Chalamet. The evening also saw unexpected outcomes for other films, with some high-profile contenders underperforming and others exceeding expectations.
Key Moments from the 2025 Oscars
In the heart of Hollywood’s glittering season, the 2025 Oscars unfolded on a memorable Sunday night. The event was marked by several twists that defied pre-ceremony predictions. Despite strong showings at the SAG Awards, Conclave, The Substance, and A Complete Unknown failed to replicate their success. Conclave, which had been tipped for multiple wins, only managed to secure one award for best adapted screenplay. Similarly, The Substance won just one prize for makeup and hairstyling, while A Complete Unknown, despite its eight nominations, left empty-handed. Bob Dylan, the subject of the latter film, wisely chose not to attend the ceremony, given his biopic's lackluster performance.
The night also witnessed the triumph of indie animated film Flow, which beat out studio blockbusters like The Wild Robot and Inside Out 2. Another highlight was Netflix’s musical Emilia Pérez, which faced controversy earlier in the year but still managed to claim two awards: best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña and best original song for “El Mal.” Other films, such as Sing Sing, Nickel Boys, and The Apprentice, were not as fortunate, failing to secure any wins despite multiple nominations.
Perhaps one of the most surprising outcomes was the shutout for Nosferatu, which had garnered four nominations but ended up leaving the ceremony without a single win. In contrast, The Brutalist and Wicked each took home two awards, though the latter's wins were confined to craft categories. The evening was rounded off with a spectacular performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who sang a medley of songs, including the iconic “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
From a journalist's perspective, this year's Oscars underscored the unpredictable nature of the awards circuit. While precursor wins can sometimes indicate Oscar success, they are far from guarantees. The evening’s surprises remind us that the Academy has its own unique criteria, often diverging from the consensus built during the lead-up to the big night. For audiences and critics alike, it serves as a reminder to savor the unexpected moments that make the Oscars so captivating.
The 2025 Oscars celebrated cinematic excellence with unforgettable moments both on and off the red carpet. Among the most talked-about events was a nostalgic reenactment by Hollywood legends. Two decades after their iconic kiss at the awards ceremony, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated this memorable moment on the carpet before the event began. Their spontaneous embrace brought back fond memories for many fans and was met with enthusiastic applause from those in attendance.
Inside the Dolby Theatre, presenters and performers added their own flair to the evening. Amy Poehler delighted the audience with her witty commentary on the scarcity of charging adapters, unaware that Oscar-branded chargers were conveniently placed throughout the venue. Meanwhile, Conan O'Brien ensured guests stayed energized with snack packs distributed to attendees, humorously noting his attempt to include gummies but facing a "hard pass" from Disney.
The night also saw significant wins for several films. The Brutalist, a highly anticipated project, secured three prestigious awards, including best cinematography, original score, and actor. The cast and crew's jubilation was palpable each time they claimed victory. Additionally, Brazil made history as I'm Still Here won the best international feature film category, marking the country's first win in this division. The celebration continued as Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, earning five accolades, including best picture, and promptly being immortalized on the wall of winners outside the theater.
Beyond the awards, heartfelt tributes and impromptu performances highlighted the evening. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande joined Queen Latifah on stage to honor the late music legend Quincy Jones with an emotional rendition of "Ease on Down the Road." This collaborative moment underscored the enduring impact of cinema and music in bringing people together. Ultimately, the 2025 Oscars served as a testament to the power of storytelling and the unifying spirit of the arts, reminding us all of the profound influence these narratives have on our lives.