The 2025 Oscars proved to be a night of unexpected victories, shocking snubs, and unforgettable fashion. Anora dominated the night, winning Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), and Best Actress (Mikey Madison)—with Madison’s win over Demi Moore (The Substance) being one of the biggest surprises (Vogue). Adrien Brody’s Best Actor win for The Brutalist was another upset, beating favorites like Paul Giamatti and Cillian Murphy (Decider). On the red carpet, Demi Moore turned heads in an elegant, form-fitting black Saint Laurent dress, adding to the buzz surrounding her snub.
Despite leading with 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez underperformed, securing only two wins, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, who made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar. Fans were also stunned by the Academy’s snub of Poorer Things in the Best Picture race. Meanwhile, the red carpet saw some of the boldest fashion choices in recent memory—Timothée Chalamet arrived in a custom sequined Louis Vuitton suit, and Billie Eilish embraced old Hollywood glam with a modern twist in a Chanel couture ensemble (Times Union). Controversy also played a role in the night, as Best Animated Short Film winner Hossein Molayemi faced backlash for interrupting co-director Shirin Sohani’s speech (EW).
Beyond the awards, the ceremony had its fair share of odd moments, including a puzzling tribute to the James Bond franchise, which left many confused. Conan O’Brien’s hosting brought humor, though Adrien Brody’s six-minute acceptance speech tested the audience’s patience (NY Post). Fashion continued to make statements throughout the night, with Rihanna’s after-party look—a custom sheer Givenchy gown—going viral. Hulu’s live stream crash in the final 16 minutes added to the chaos, frustrating viewers at home (Decider). Between surprise wins, stunning fashion, and unpredictable moments, the 2025 Oscars will be remembered as one of the most exciting and stylish ceremonies in years.
