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The Academy Awards, a hallmark event in the film industry, produced an array of memorable moments during its recent presentation, highlighted by a long-anticipated performance.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both contenders for awards for their roles in Wicked, delivered a moving medley of songs while a montage of iconic movie scenes played, showcasing Los Angeles. Their performance included Grande’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Erivo’s take on “Home,” from The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz, respectively, culminating in a duet of “Defying Gravity.” This act served as a poignant tribute to the city, particularly in light of the wildfires that had ravaged it earlier in the year.
Below is a roundup of some of the most talked-about moments and reactions from the 2025 Academy Awards held on March 2.
A Heartfelt Performance
The duet between Erivo and Grande struck a chord with fans, eliciting heartfelt responses, including from their co-star, Michelle Yeoh. Many viewers took to social media to express their emotional reactions to the performance. One tweet highlighted Yeoh’s visible emotions, while another commenter noted the cinematic quality of Grande’s gaze as she admired Erivo’s singing. “I’m going to need a few days to emotionally recover from this performance,” commented one fan on X.
Adam Sandler’s Unconventional Outfit
Fashion is a key aspect of the Oscars, and Adam Sandler certainly made headlines with his choice of attire: a casual zip-up hoodie paired with basketball shorts. One observer quipped on Threads that Sandler’s outfit seemed to reflect his true self.
During the broadcast, host Conan O’Brien poked fun at Sandler’s laid-back look. Sandler retorted, “Nobody even thought about my outfit until you mentioned it!” As he left the venue, Sandler extended an invitation for a game of basketball to his peers, including fellow actor Timothée Chalamet.
Fans embraced Sandler’s casual vibe. One user declared him their “religion,” while another humorously described his look as “Sunday best.”
A Familial Victory
Kieran Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain, surpassing his on-screen brother Jeremy Strong, who had also been nominated in the same category for The Apprentice. The irony of Culkin’s win and its connection to their show’s themes did not escape fans, with one social media user describing it as “so Succession coded.”
In his acceptance speech, Culkin praised Strong’s talent, calling his performance “incredible.” Many viewers commended their brotherly bond, with one user on X noting “THAT’S LITERALLY FAMILY.”
Reflecting on his personal life, Culkin joked about wanting to expand his family, recalling a playful agreement with his wife, Jazz Charton, that they would have four children if he won an Oscar, quipping, “Let’s get cracking on those kids!”
A Misunderstood Tribute
The ceremony included a segment honoring the James Bond franchise, featuring Margaret Qualley in a role reminiscent of a Bond girl, along with performances by Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. However, following recent news about the franchise’s transition to Amazon, viewers expressed confusion about the lack of a future Bond announcement during this tribute. “Unless Margaret Qualley is the new Bond, I don’t see the point of this,” remarked a viewer on X.
Others echoed this sentiment, with one user humorously wondering if Qualley might don the 007 mantle. “I genuinely thought they were about to announce the new James Bond at the Oscars,” shared another viewer.
Breaking Barriers
Zoe Saldaña made history by accepting the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Emilia Pérez, proudly expressing her background as the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award. This milestone resonated deeply with her audience as she dedicated her win to her immigrant parents.
“I am filled with pride as I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors,” she exclaimed, emphasizing the dream and hard work that brought her to this moment. Many fans praised her emotional tribute to her mother, while others expressed joy at her long-overdue recognition.
In Memoriam Controversy
The “In Memoriam” segment evoked mixed feelings among viewers, particularly with notable omissions, including actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who had passed just days prior to the ceremony. Fans voiced their disappointment over her exclusion, with some declaring it “gutting” and others reaffirming their admiration for her legacy.
A Memorable Moment from John Lithgow
In a humorous twist, it was suggested that actor John Lithgow’s disappointed expression would be used to signal when acceptance speeches ran too long. While this concept did not fully materialize, Lithgow’s expression turned into a viral meme, resonating with viewers on various social media platforms as they related it to their own experiences at work.
An Unexpected Win
The evening culminated in a surprising victory for Mikey Madison, who took home the Best Actress award for her performance in Anora, despite Demi Moore being a frontrunner for her role in The Substance. Many welcomed this unexpected twist, relishing the excitement of an unpredictable outcome during the awards.
One fan noted the rarity of such surprises in acting categories at the Oscars and celebrated Madison’s win as a refreshing change.
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