The 2025 Academy Awards red carpet was a showcase of not only glamorous attire but also hidden tributes and thoughtful details. Celebrities adorned themselves with outfits that paid homage to their films, current events, and personal causes. From intricate nail art to unique footwear, these subtle elements added depth to the star-studded event. This article highlights some of the most noteworthy yet easily overlooked details from the 97th Academy Awards.
Fashion Meets Storytelling: Tribute Outfits
Celebrities at the 2025 Oscars went beyond just wearing designer clothing; they told stories through their fashion choices. Several stars incorporated elements that reflected their roles in recent films or drew attention to important global issues. For instance, performers from the hit musical "Wicked" incorporated nods to their characters into their ensembles. Additionally, other attendees used accessories to make powerful statements about social and political matters.
One of the most striking examples came from Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba in the blockbuster "Wicked." Her nails featured an "ode to Oz," showcasing green and gold buildings reminiscent of the film's setting. Meanwhile, Marissa Bode, who portrayed Nessarose, paired her dazzling red gown with matching ruby slippers, creating a perfect tribute to her character. Screenwriter Peter Straughan also made a poignant statement by wearing a blue-and-yellow ribbon in solidarity with Ukraine. These small yet significant details transformed the red carpet into a canvas for storytelling and advocacy.
Accessories with a Message: Unique Footwear and Jewelry
While the gowns and suits grabbed much of the spotlight, it was the accessories that often carried deeper meanings. Shoes, jewelry, and handbags became vehicles for expressing individuality and raising awareness about various causes. Attendees used these items to add unexpected twists to their looks, ensuring that even the smallest details left a lasting impression.
Kayo Shekoni, a Swedish singer, wore shoes with "Free Congo" inscribed in gold letters, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Basel Adra, one of the directors and subjects of the documentary "No Other Land," showcased shoes featuring Palestinian Tatreez embroidery, crafted in his hometown of Massafer Yatta in the West Bank. Margaret Qualley's Chanel jewelry, particularly her drop necklace, added an elegant touch to her black velvet dress, becoming a focal point from behind. Charlotte Lawrence's cat statue purse, inspired by Valentino's spring collection, brought a whimsical element to the evening. Colman Domingo, nominated for best actor, accessorized his Valentino outfit with a luxurious Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, valued at $160,000. These accessories not only enhanced the overall look but also conveyed personal messages and cultural significance.
During its inaugural livestream of the 97th Academy Awards, Hulu encountered significant technical difficulties that disrupted viewers' experience. The platform faced multiple outages, with critical moments of the awards ceremony, including the best actress nomination, being inaccessible to some users. Despite efforts to resolve the issues, many fans expressed disappointment as they missed key segments of the event. This marks the first time Hulu has streamed the Oscars live, and the technical problems highlight challenges in delivering a seamless streaming experience for such high-profile events.
Disruptions Mar Key Moments of the Ceremony
The livestream disruptions occurred during pivotal moments of the Oscars, particularly affecting the best actress segment. Many users reported that their screens went dark just as Emma Stone was introducing the nominees. The outage left viewers frustrated, as they were unable to witness this crucial part of the evening. The technical glitches underscored the importance of reliability for live events, especially when streaming services are relied upon to deliver uninterrupted access to prestigious ceremonies.
For several viewers, the disruption manifested as an error message indicating that the livestream had ended prematurely. This issue persisted even as other parts of the show proceeded without interruption. Users took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the impact of these outages on their viewing experience. The timing of the outage, coinciding with one of the most anticipated segments of the night, amplified the frustration felt by many who had chosen Hulu as their primary means of watching the Oscars.
Hulu's Response and Broader Implications
Hulu acknowledged the technical issues early in the evening, with reports of login and video streaming problems beginning around 7 p.m. ET. The company issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and assured users that the issue had been identified. While the platform attempted to restore service, the repeated interruptions raised questions about Hulu's preparedness for handling large-scale live events. As the Oscars are a globally watched event, ensuring a smooth streaming experience is crucial for maintaining viewer trust and satisfaction.
The incident also highlights the broader challenges faced by streaming platforms when transitioning into new territories, such as live event broadcasting. For Hulu, this marked its debut in streaming the Oscars, and the technical hiccups serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in delivering a flawless live stream. Despite the company's efforts to address the issues promptly, the disruptions have likely impacted user perceptions and may influence future decisions regarding live event streaming services. Moving forward, it will be essential for Hulu to reassess its infrastructure and contingency plans to prevent similar occurrences in future broadcasts.
The 97th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles, was a night of stellar performances and groundbreaking achievements. The event featured a blend of music, humor, and heartfelt moments that captivated audiences worldwide. One of the most notable highlights was the film "Anora," which swept multiple categories, including Best Picture.
A series of memorable performances and speeches marked the evening's festivities. The opening act by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set an electrifying tone with their renditions from iconic musicals. Conan O'Brien, making his debut as host, navigated through the night with wit and grace, addressing current controversies while delivering laughs. Kieran Culkin's win for Best Supporting Actor was particularly touching, as he shared a personal story about his family. Zoe Saldaña also made history as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar for her role in "Emilia Pérez."
The ceremony celebrated diversity and innovation across various categories. "Flow" became the first Latvian film to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, highlighting global talent. Paul Tazewell's win for Best Costume Design for "Wicked" was historic, as he became the first Black man to receive this honor. Despite technical glitches with Hulu's live stream, the night concluded on a high note, emphasizing the importance of unity and representation in cinema. The Oscars continue to inspire artists and storytellers, showcasing the power of film to bridge cultures and celebrate human resilience.