The 2023 Academy Awards witnessed an unexpected twist when Mick Jagger presented the award for Best Original Song. The winning song, "El Mal" from Emilia Pérez, was announced amidst a humorous exchange about Bob Dylan's absence. Throughout the evening, various nominees showcased a diverse array of musical styles, highlighting the creativity in contemporary cinema. Diane Warren, despite her impressive track record of nominations, did not secure a win this time. The event also featured lighthearted commentary from host Conan O'Brien regarding Dylan's notable absence.
A Humorous Presentation with a Twist
Mick Jagger took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre to present one of the most anticipated awards of the night. His announcement of "El Mal" as the winner came with a playful jest about Bob Dylan’s reluctance to participate. This moment added an element of surprise and humor to the ceremony. Jagger's remarks drew laughter from the audience, making the presentation memorable.
Jagger mentioned that the producers initially wanted Dylan to present the award but were met with his polite refusal. In response, Jagger quipped that perhaps someone younger should take on the role, leading to his own appearance on stage. This anecdote highlighted the unpredictable nature of such high-profile events. It also revealed that Dylan had indeed been invited to both present and perform at the Oscars, according to exclusive information from The Hollywood Reporter. Host Conan O'Brien earlier echoed similar sentiments during his opening monologue, adding more layers to the ongoing joke about Dylan's absence.
Diverse Nominees and Unfulfilled Expectations
The nominees for Best Original Song represented a wide spectrum of genres and cinematic themes. Among them were two songs from Emilia Pérez, including the winning "El Mal," as well as entries like “Never Too Late” from Elton John's documentary and “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing. Each nominee brought unique elements to the competition, showcasing the rich diversity in modern film music.
Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter nominated for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, faced disappointment when she did not win. Despite holding the record for the most nominations in this category, including an honorary Oscar in 2022, Warren expressed her frustration earlier in the evening. She lamented that the nominees would not be performing their songs live at the ceremony, which could have added another layer of excitement. Nevertheless, the evening celebrated the achievements of all nominees, recognizing their contributions to the world of film and music.
The 2025 Academy Awards celebrated the enduring legacy of James Bond through an electrifying musical tribute. The evening featured performances by three contemporary artists who paid homage to the iconic film series. Margaret Qualley set the stage with a captivating dance routine, setting the tone for what was to come. Following her, Lisa showcased her vocal and dance talents with a snippet of "Live and Let Die." Doja Cat then took over with a powerful rendition of "Diamonds are Forever," originally made famous by Shirley Bassey. Finally, Raye delivered a breathtaking performance of "Skyfall," which had previously earned Adele an Oscar in 2012.
Recently, the James Bond franchise has been making waves beyond the silver screen. Notably, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the custodians of the Bond legacy since 1962, announced they were selling their stake in EON Productions to Amazon. This news marked a significant shift in the control of the franchise that has shaped cinema for over six decades. In November, the duo received the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, recognizing their contributions to filmmaking. On Oscar night, the musical tribute served as a poignant reminder of the cultural impact of Bond's music, blending cinematic grandeur with timeless pop melodies.
The James Bond franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, not only through its thrilling narratives but also through its unforgettable soundtrack. From Monty Norman's original theme to the more recent hits by Adele and Billie Eilish, the music has become an integral part of the Bond experience. The performances at the Oscars highlighted the lasting influence of these songs and the talent behind them. As the franchise moves into a new era under Amazon's ownership, the future of Bond's music promises to remain as compelling and innovative as ever. Raye's stunning rendition of "Skyfall" on the red carpet is a testament to the enduring allure of this legendary spy saga.
In an unexpected turn of events, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated a memorable moment from the past on the red carpet ahead of the 97th Academy Awards. The reunion, which took place before the ceremony began, brought back memories of their impromptu kiss in 2003. This time, it was Berry who initiated the gesture, much to the delight of onlookers and fans alike. The event highlighted the enduring connection between these two Oscar winners and served as a nostalgic reminder of Hollywood's iconic moments.
A Sweet Reunion After Two Decades
On the radiant evening of the 2025 Oscars, held at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, the world witnessed a heartwarming scene unfold. Just hours before the ceremony commenced, cameras captured Halle Berry running towards Adrien Brody, planting a passionate kiss on him. The crowd erupted in cheers as Brody, visibly delighted, accepted the kiss and embraced Berry warmly. This spontaneous act marked a significant moment for both actors, reflecting on a similar incident that occurred 22 years ago.
In 2003, after Brody won the Best Actor award for his role in The Pianist, he surprised everyone by kissing Berry, who had just presented him with the trophy. At the time, Brody playfully remarked, "I bet they didn't tell you that was in the gift bag." Berry later explained that she only reciprocated because Brody's girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, approved of the gesture. Now, after over two decades, Berry finally got her chance to return the favor, expressing her long-awaited desire to "slap one on" Brody.
Berry's own accolades include winning the Best Actress Oscar in 2002 for her performance in Monster's Ball, making history as the first Black woman to receive this prestigious award. Meanwhile, Brody is nominated this year for Best Leading Actor for his role in The Brutalist.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, celebrated the best in cinema with a star-studded event. Fans eagerly awaited the announcement of winners while enjoying the glamorous red carpet arrivals.
This touching reunion not only brought back fond memories but also showcased the resilience and warmth within the Hollywood community. It serves as a reminder that even the most spontaneous moments can create lasting bonds and unforgettable stories. For both Berry and Brody, this encounter symbolizes the passage of time and the enduring nature of shared experiences in the film industry.