Oscars 2025 delivered unforgettable performances, historic wins, and moments that had everyone talking.
Oscars and OMG moments go hand in hand. Even before the ceremony began, the buzz was nonstop. From Karla Sofía Gascón’s Twitter controversy to speculation about Harrison Ford’s health scare that had fans worried. Once the show started, there were some questionable moments, but overall, the night delivered powerful speeches, history-making wins, and performances that stole the spotlight.
Here are the top five Oscar moments that have everyone talking.
1. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande’s Spellbinding Wicked Duet
The 2025 Oscars kicked off with a breathtaking performance by Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The duo performed a medley of songs from various adaptations of The Wizard of Oz, ending with a stunning rendition of Defying Gravity. Their powerful vocals and undeniable chemistry on stage not only captivated the audience but also heightened excitement for the upcoming Wicked film, where Erivo stars as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda. (Yes, the Elphaba, Glenda song all over TikTok.)
The performance received widespread praise, with fans and critics alike applauding how effortlessly their voices blended. It set the tone for the rest of the evening and added to the anticipation for Wicked: Part One, which is set to release later this year.
2. Conan O’Brien’s Roasting—and That Drake Reference
Hosting the Oscars for the first time, Conan O’Brien brought his signature humor, keeping the ceremony lively with sharp jokes and playful jabs. While his hosting style entertained many, a few moments sparked debate—particularly his controversial comment about Adam Sandler, which had some questioning whether he crossed the line. But this is what O’Brien had to say:
“We had an idea for Sandler. Adam and I are old friends, and I called him up. He liked the idea, and then he said, ‘I have another idea.’ And it involved him dressing in the way that he’s most comfortable – which of course was his idea because he doesn’t want to put on a tux… That was all Adam. Adam’s the king.”
via Hollywood Reporter
One of his most talked-about moment that quickly went viral, fueling online discussions was that reference to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar drama… umm let’s not go there. While some praised O’Brien’s edgy humor, others felt he took things a bit too far, making his hosting one of the most polarizing aspects of the night.
3. Anora Dominates with Five Wins
The biggest winner of the night was Sean Baker’s Anora, which swept the Oscars with five major wins:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Sean Baker)
- Best Actress (Mikey Madison)
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Film Editing
The film, which tells the story of a young Brooklyn woman who becomes entangled in an intense romance with the son of a Russian oligarch, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Its success marked a huge victory for independent cinema, proving that bold storytelling and strong performances can compete with big-budget productions. Anora’s dominant run at the Oscars cemented its place as one of the most significant films of the year.
4. No Other Land Wins Big: A Powerful Voice for Palestine at the Oscars
No Other Land, a deeply personal and politically charged documentary, took home the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, marking a significant moment for Palestinian storytelling on the global stage. Directed by Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, and Hamdan Ballal, the film offers an unfiltered look at the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, focusing on the struggles of communities facing eviction and demolition under Israeli occupation.
In their powerful acceptance speech, Adra and Abraham highlighted the ongoing suffering in Palestine, calling for the world to recognize and act against the injustices. Their win was more than just an award—it was a moment of resistance, bringing Palestinian voices to one of the biggest platforms in the world.
Here’s All You Need To Know About This Significant Win
5. Kieran Culkin’s Speech: A Hilarious, Unfiltered Moment
Presented by none other than Mr. Robert Downey Jr, taking home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain, Kieran Culkin delivered one of the most genuine and amusing acceptance speeches of the night. Clearly overwhelmed, he stumbled through his words, repeated thank-yous, and even seemed unsure how to wrap up his speech, making for a moment that was both awkward and endearing.
His natural charm and unpolished reaction had the audience in stitches, turning what could have been a forgettable speech into one of the most memorable and widely shared moments of the night. Fans loved how unfiltered and real his reaction was, proving that even in Hollywood’s biggest moments, authenticity shines through.
6. Paul Tazewell Makes History in Costume Design
History was made when Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design, earning the award for his work on Emilia Pérez. With an impressive career that includes Hamilton and West Side Story, Tazewell’s victory was a long-overdue recognition of his artistry and influence in costume design.
His work on Emilia Pérez blended intricate craftsmanship with vibrant cultural influences, creating a visually stunning film. In his emotional acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to aspiring designers of color, emphasizing the importance of representation in the industry. His win was not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone in Hollywood’s ongoing journey toward inclusivity.
As the dust settles, these moments will continue to shape conversations around cinema, representation, and the evolving landscape of the film industry. With groundbreaking achievements and viral highlights, the 2025 Oscars once again reminded us why this night remains one of the most anticipated events in entertainment.
Sources: Rolling Stone, Forbes, BBC, Washington Post
