The Best and Worst Moments from the 2025 Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night of glamour, surprises, and controversy. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Jimmy Kimmel, the event celebrated the best in cinema while also delivering moments that left audiences divided. From historic wins to unexpected mishaps, here’s a look at the highlights and low points of the 2025 Oscars.
Best Moments
Historic Wins for Diversity and Representation
This year’s Oscars saw groundbreaking wins that underscored Hollywood’s slow but steady progress toward inclusivity.
Lily Gladstone’s Historic Win
For the first time, a Native American actress, Lily Gladstone, won Best Actress for her stunning performance in Killers of the Flower Moon. Her emotional speech, delivered partly in Blackfeet, resonated deeply and received a standing ovation.
Justine Triet’s Best Director Award
Similarly, the Best Director award went to Justine Triet for Anatomy of a Fall, making her only the third woman to win in Oscar history.
A Triumphant Night for Christopher Nolan
After years of being overlooked in the Best Director category, Christopher Nolan finally took home the award for Oppenheimer, which also won Best Picture.
Major Wins for Oppenheimer
Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. secured wins for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, making Oppenheimer the biggest winner of the night.
Musical Performances That Stole the Show
This year’s musical performances were among the most memorable in Oscar history.
Billie Eilish and Finneas’ Emotional Performance
Billie Eilish and Finneas delivered a haunting rendition of What Was I Made For? from Barbie, bringing many in the audience to tears.
Ryan Gosling’s Electrifying Show
Meanwhile, the energetic performance of I'm Just Ken by Ryan Gosling, featuring surprise guest appearances, was a showstopper.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Hollywood Legends
The In Memoriam segment was particularly moving this year, featuring a live performance by Elton John.
Worst Moments
A Major Technical Glitch During Best Cinematography Announcement
One of the night’s most awkward moments came during the announcement of Best Cinematography due to a technical error.
Controversy Over Snubs and Surprises
Some unexpected omissions frustrated fans and critics alike.
Greta Gerwig’s Best Director Snub
Many were disappointed that Greta Gerwig was not nominated for Best Director for Barbie, despite the film’s massive success.
Past Lives Overlooked
Additionally, fans of Past Lives felt that the heartfelt drama was overlooked in major categories.
A Cringe-Worthy On-Stage Exchange
An unscripted moment between two presenters—rumored to be Jennifer Lawrence and Joaquin Phoenix—quickly became one of the most awkward parts of the night.
A Lackluster Opening Monologue
Despite being a seasoned host, Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue didn’t land as well as expected.
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscars delivered its fair share of unforgettable highs and cringeworthy lows. Historic wins and spectacular performances made the night memorable, while technical mishaps and questionable snubs left room for debate. Regardless of its flaws, this year’s ceremony reinforced the power of cinema and storytelling, reminding audiences why the Oscars still matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2025 Oscars
1. Who were the biggest winners at the 2025 Oscars?
The biggest winners of the 2025 Oscars were Oppenheimer, which won Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), and Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.). Lily Gladstone also made history by winning Best Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon.
2. What was the most controversial moment of the 2025 Oscars?
One of the most controversial moments was the snub of Greta Gerwig for Best Director despite Barbie’s massive success. Additionally, an awkward on-stage exchange between Jennifer Lawrence and Joaquin Phoenix also sparked discussions.
3. Which musical performances stood out at the 2025 Oscars?
Billie Eilish and Finneas delivered a heartfelt performance of *What Was I Made For?* from Barbie, while Ryan Gosling’s electrifying act of *I’m Just Ken* became one of the most talked-about performances.
4. What technical issues occurred during the ceremony?
A major technical glitch happened during the Best Cinematography announcement, where the wrong nominee was displayed on-screen, leading to brief confusion before the correct winner was revealed.
5. Was Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting well received?
While Jimmy Kimmel smoothly hosted the event, his opening monologue received mixed reactions, with some jokes not landing well, leading to a lukewarm audience response.