The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Surprises, Historic Wins, and Unforgettable Moments

Hollywood’s biggest night, the 97th Academy Awards, took center stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025. From record-breaking wins to unexpected fashion choices and red-carpet shockers, the evening was packed with moments that had everyone talking.

One film stood out above the rest, Anora, which swept the night with five wins, including the prestigious Best Picture award. Director Sean Baker made history, bagging four awards in a single night, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. His dominance made Anora one of the most talked-about films of the season.

In the acting categories, Mikey Madison claimed Best Actress for her captivating performance, while Adrien Brody earned Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist.

Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña’s powerful performance in Emilia Pérez secured her the Best Supporting Actress award, marking a milestone as the first Dominican American to win an Oscar. Kieran Culkin also walked away with Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s finest.

The Oscars red carpet is known for glitz and glamour, but Adam Sandler turned heads with a fashion statement of his own. Ditching the tuxedo tradition, he arrived in an oversized blue hoodie and basketball shorts, bringing his signature laid-back style to the prestigious event. The look sparked reactions both online and at the event, with host Conan O’Brien even poking fun at Sandler’s casual choice during his monologue. Sandler, in his usual comedic fashion, shrugged off the attention, making it one of the night’s most viral moments.

Another moment that set social media ablaze was Halle Berry’s red-carpet reunion with Adrien Brody. The duo recreated their famous Oscars kiss from 2003, leaving onlookers stunned, especially since it happened in front of Brody’s wife. The unexpected moment quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night, with fans debating whether it was a playful nod to their history or an awkward Oscars mishap.

While the ceremony celebrated cinematic excellence, it wasn’t without hiccups. Many viewers were frustrated by streaming interruptions on Hulu, causing some to miss key award announcements. The issue became a trending topic online, with fans calling for improvements in future broadcasts.

The Academy also honored industry icons with special recognitions. Among them were legendary casting director Juliet Taylor, renowned music producer Quincy Jones, and esteemed screenwriter Richard Curtis, alongside producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, known for their work on the James Bond franchise.

From Anora’s sweeping victories to Adam Sandler’s unconventional style and the unexpected red-carpet kiss, the 97th Academy Awards blended tradition with surprises. As Hollywood continues to evolve, this year’s Oscars proved that the industry thrives on unpredictability, keeping audiences entertained both on and off the stage.