The 2025 Academy Awards, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, marked a significant moment for Los Angeles, which was still recovering from the devastating wildfires that had ravaged the county just two months prior. This year’s Oscars ceremony was not just a celebration of excellence in filmmaking but also a testament to the resilience and unity of the entertainment industry. The event kicked off with a dazzling performance by Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who captivated the audience with their gravity-defying rendition of iconic songs from The Wizard of Oz. Grande began with a touching performance of Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” seamlessly transitioning to Erivo, who brought the house down with her powerful delivery of “Home” and “Defying Gravity.” Their performance set the tone for what was to be a memorable night, celebrating the best of 2024’s cinematic achievements.
The competition this awards season was fierce, and the Oscars did not disappoint. In the category of Actor in a Supporting Role, Kieran Culkin took home the award for his role in A Real Pain, beating out stiff competition from Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice), and Yura Borisov (Anora). The Actress in a Supporting Role category saw a mix of veteran and rising talent, but ultimately, no winner was announced in the provided content. However, the nominees included Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez). Both categories highlighted the incredible range and depth of performances in 2024.
The Leading Role categories were equally impressive. Cynthia Erivo delivered a standout performance as the lead in Wicked, earning her a well-deserved nomination alongside Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). On the Actor in a Leading Role front, the nominees included Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice). While the winners in these categories were not specified in the provided content, the nominations themselves were a testament to the exceptional talent that graced the screens in 2024.
The night also saw some exciting wins in other major categories. Conclave took home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, edging out strong contenders like A Complete Unknown, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing. Meanwhile, Anora claimed victory in the Original Screenplay category, beating out Neon, The Brutalist, A Real Pain, and September 5. The technical categories were equally captivating, with Wicked winning for Costume Design and The Substance taking the award for Makeup & Hairstyling. The Original Score category saw a competitive lineup, featuring The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, Wicked, and The Wild Robot, though no winner was specified in the provided content.
Animated and live-action short films also had their moment to shine. In the Shadow of Cypress won the Animated Short Film category, while the Live-Action Short Film nominees included A Lien, Anuja, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent. Additionally, Flow was named the winner of the Animated Feature Film category, besting Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot. The Cinematography category featured a stunning lineup, with nominees including The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, Maria, and Nosferatu. While no winner was announced, the sheer artistry behind each film was evident.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of hope and renewal, both for the city of Los Angeles and for the film industry. The 2025 Oscars were a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and perseverance. From the emotional performances to the well-deserved wins, the night reminded everyone of the power of cinema to unite, inspire, and heal. As the lights dimmed on the Dolby Theatre, the echoes of this unforgettable evening will surely linger, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the future of filmmaking holds.
