All the best and worst moments of the 2025 Oscars, as they happened
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Clocking in at three hours and 45 minutes, the 97th Academy Awards were a long show, but a good one. Particularly if you were Sean Baker, who won a record-tying four Oscars as the producer, director, writer and editor of the best picture winner “Anora.” (Walt Disney is the only other person to win that many Oscars in one year.) “Anora” headliner Mikey Madison also prevailed, winning the lead actress trophy over sentimental favorite Demi Moore.
Host Conan O’Brien made a strong case to make this a recurring gig, keeping the show moving with inspired bits and self-deprecating humor, almost making you forget about the lengthy running time. Just as a good movie can never be too long, so this year’s Oscars never overstayed its welcome. (Well, maybe they could have lost the James Bond dance number. But other than that …)
Times columnists Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp were with the ceremony for its entirety. Follow along below for their recap of the night’s highlights.
Sean Baker and “Anora” made Oscars history; Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody won top acting prizes. Catch up on the winners, the fashion and what happened at the show.
7:42 p.m. “I used to work here,” says Oscars uber-host Billy Crystal while presenting best picture nominees with Meg Ryan. — M.M.
Great choice to reunite them to present best picture. — G.W.
“Anora” wins, its fifth Oscar of the evening. A legitimate sweep. And I could not be happier. Not that anyone asked — M.M.
I’ve been championing this movie for months, and I never fully trusted that the academy would give best picture to my favorite movie of the year. And they did! Plus four other awards! And Sean Baker is now in the history books right next to Walt Disney. How’s that for a pairing? — G.W.
7:37 p.m. Yes! Let’s go Mikey Madison, who wins for actress in a leading role. She was so amazing in “Anora.” — M.M.
I just had the thought before this ... will all the “Anora” love sweep Mikey Madison in? I guess we know the answer. I voted for her in L.A. Film Critics, which she won. Truly deserving. But still, sad for Demi Moore because this was her chance, perhaps her only chance. Then again, who knows? — G.W.
It is so rare for the film I loved best of the year to win so many Oscars. — M.M.
Don’t jinx it, Mary! — G.W.
“Anora,” Sean Baker, Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña were the big winners at the 97th Academy Awards Sunday night.
7:29 p.m. Quentin Tarantino giving best director to Sean Baker is epic. — G.W.
What a night for Sean Baker! — M.M.
Well, you would think that “Anora” will go on to win best picture now, right? Right?? — G.W.
Can we please get a Phoebe Waller-Bridge-style photo only with Oscars instead of Emmys? — M.M.
Tarantino beaming with pride as Baker makes his “battle cry” for theatrical exhibition. — G.W.
“Filmmakers, please keep making films for the big screen.” — M.M.
7:21 p.m. Adrien Brody wins for actor in a leading role! — M.M.
They were never going to give that Oscar to a guy wearing a yellow tux to the show. But I say that in jest. Because if anyone could pull off a yellow tux, it’s Chalamet. Voters just really have a thing about not giving the lead actor Oscar to a “kid.” Chalamet is 29, but he looks a decade younger. — G.W.
Question of the night: What did Brody throw to his partner as he took the stage? He also just pulled rank as a two-timer to stop the music from playing him off. Can we please cut to John Lithgow? — M.M.
The John Lithgow sad face needed to be used more. — G.W.
He used his extra time to call out antisemitism, racism and hate so ... OK. — M.M.
“I will be brief.” They had to play him off a second time. — G.W.
7:11 p.m. Quincy Jones just received an honorary Oscar at the last Governors Awards in November. It was his second honorary Oscar. Back in the day, those Oscars used to be presented on the show. — G.W.
A lovely personal tribute by Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, And another dance number. But also Queen Latifah! — M.M.
And at that November ceremony, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson performed, leading a dozen gospel singers. Now Queen Latifah. People come out for Quincy! — G.W.
I mean, if you’re going to have a dance number, it should be “Ease on Down the Road.” — M.M.
It got people out of their seats. Of course, they could just be stretching. — G.W.
7:08 p.m. “The Brutalist” wins for score, adding to the trophy it just won for cinematography. — M.M.
7:04 p.m. Speaking of “Anora,” Conan makes his first political joke, “I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” — M.M.
Thank you for your service, Conan! — G.W.
6:56 p.m. Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” wins for international feature! — M.M.
Coming into tonight, the one pick I regretted was choosing “Emilia Pérez” over “I’m Still Here.” I think this Oscar is more about the love for Walter Salles’ film than any backlash against “Emilia Pérez.” (OK. Maybe there was a little backlash.) — G.W.
I picked “I’m Still Here,” not that anyone asked me. Or has any reason to believe me. — M.M.
I believe you, Mary! Unless all the sugar from those Girl Scout cookies are starting to have a hallucinogenic effect. — G.W.
6:46 p.m. I thought I missed Quincy Jones, then remembered there’s a separate tribute planned to him. This really is going to be four hours. No great movie can be too long. Same with the Oscars? — G.W.
We are closing in on hour three with no end in sight. For those keeping track, I have opened the Do-Si-Dos. (Also, loads of “great” movies are too long.) — M.M.
OK. I give in. I would have cut the Bond dance number. — G.W.
6:41 p.m. If anyone deserves an “In Memoriam” breakout, it’s the irreplaceable Gene Hackman. — G.W.
I’m very happy to see them include film clips in this section, including and especially for the non-actors. This show has done a remarkably good job at celebrating the wide range of people necessary to make film. — M.M.
Playing Mozart’s “Requiem” during the in memoriam was ... a choice. Heavy. Dark. Not sure I’m going to be able to concentrate on the rest of the show. Too busy contemplating my own mortality. — G.W.
6:38 p.m. To anyone following along who used my Oscar picks this year: I’m sorry! I whiffed on all three shorts categories. I do wonder how many people are doing better though. It’s been a weird, unpredictable year. — G.W.
I admit to taking some small satisfaction from your whiffs. Overall, you have an irritatingly good track record. — M.M.
6:34 p.m. Eight more? — M.M.
Yep. — G.W.
I bet they are regretting the Bond dance number. Let me say it again, in an Edna Mode voice: No dance. — M.M.
But Doja Cat! — G.W.
Don’tja Care. — M.M.
6:27 p.m. “Dune: Part Two” wins an Oscar for sound! Conan’s investment in the Sand Worm pays off. — M.M.
The first “Dune” movie won six Oscars. The second one is better, but probably only going to win this and visual effects. But there’s going to be a third one! Justice? At least give Denis Villeneuve a nomination for directing! — G.W.
Our film critic, Amy Nicholson, has it as her top pick for best picture. Could be a “Lord of the Rings” situation — go big on part three. — M.M.
6:23 p.m. Standing ovation for the firefighters who battled the Palisades and Eaton fires. Or at least some of them. Makes LAFD members read jokes, including “It’s great to be back with Conan. Usually when he calls, he’s stuck in a tree.” As if they hadn’t been through enough. — M.M.
That was a good one. It was a nice way of acknowledging and including them. — G.W.
6:14 p.m. Am I right that documentary feature winner “No Other Land” still does not have a distributor? — M.M.
It does not. No distributor wanted to touch it because of its politics. — G.W.
After Palestinian co-director Basel Adra calls for an end to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, his Israeli collaborator Yuval Abraham insists that there can be peaceful solution to the war in Gaza that honors both Palestinian and Israeli people, adding that “the foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path. Can’t you see that we are intertwined? That my people can be truly safe and Basel’s people can be truly free?” Here’s hoping this powerful film gets distribution now that it’s won an Oscar. — M.M.
I would love to think that now more people might be able to see the movie, which documents the Israeli government’s demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank. Made by two Palestinian filmmakers and two Israeli filmmakers, it’s a moving portrait of friendship and, as Adra noted in his speech, a plea for a path forward for peace. — G.W.
6:09 p.m. Conan says “halfway through the show ...” In case you think he’s joking, they have only presented 11 of the 23 categories so far. — G.W.
Is this going to be a four-hour Oscars? I should have bought more Thin Mints. — M.M.
6:04 p.m. “Emilia Pérez” filmmaker Jacques Audiard gets his Oscar, as “El Mal” wins original song. I think he had grander ambitions, but still ... an Oscar! Kinda thought that “Emilia Pérez” songwriter was about to pivot to Elon Musk when talking about corruption, but no. They really are staying away from politics this year. — G.W.
First singing acceptance speech to be played off. I am a bit surprised we haven’t heard more support for Ukraine. — M.M.
5:58 p.m. Nick Offerman saying “please welcome Mick Jagger.” That’s it. That’s the post. — M.M.
Wouldn’t it be something if Diane Warren finally wins her original song Oscar and it’s Mick Jagger who hands it to her? — G.W.
First choice, says Jagger, was Bob Dylan — but he said “find someone younger. So here I am.” At no time did it ever occur to me, or anyone, that Bob Dylan would show for the Oscars. — M.M.
Dylan used to put the original song Oscar he won for “Things Have Changed” on his keyboard when he toured. He’s proud of that Oscar, Mary! — G.W.
OK, Dylan/Oscars nerd. — M.M.
5:53 p.m. Almost two hours in and I feel like this telecast is moving at a very nice clip, except for that big Bond dance number. Or am just high on Thin Mints? — M.M.
It’s moving well ... but they still have 14 categories (out of 23) remaining. — G.W.
Spoke too soon I guess! — M.M.
But we’re having fun! — G.W.
I do love this Ben Stiller bit for production design, showing how important it is. — M.M.
Did you know there were nine million tulips in “Wicked”? How could it not win? — G.W.
5:45 p.m. Every acceptance speech should begin with the winner shouting out their mom as supporting actress winner Zoe Saldaña just did. In case any of my children are reading this. — M.M.
As a husband, I’m just glad Zoe gave her spouse a shoutout for more than his hair. Also: I wish I had his hair. — G.W.
Saldaña’s remark that she is “a proud child of immigrant parents” may be as political as this ceremony gets. (Presenter Daryl Hannah also gave a “Slava Ukraini” shoutout.) — M.M.
I’ve been doing a mental scroll through the likely winners moving forward, and I think you’re right. — G.W.
5:40 p.m. OK, here we go Glenn. Film editing. And it’s “Anora”! How’s your scorecard now? —M.M.
Two Oscars down, two to go for Sean Baker to tie Walt Disney’s record for winning four Oscars in a single year. — G.W.
“I saved this film in the edit — that director should never work again.” Great line from Baker, who directed and edited (and wrote and produced and made cupcakes). — M.M.
5:33 p.m. I guess Paul McCartney can’t close everything out as he did with the “SNL” anniversary show. Half expected him to come and blaze through “Live and Let Die” before the end of this medley of Bond themes. — G.W.
Would like to repeat my on-record request: No big dance numbers at the Oscars. — M.M.
5:28 p.m. I feel like they decided to do this Bond tribute because Amazon’s Jeff Bezos just got his hands on the franchise? — G.W.
In protest? — M.M.
More like, ‘RIP.’ — G.W.
I am still angry that “Skyfall” did not win best picture. — M.M.
It wasn’t even nominated! And it should have been. — G.W.
The final Judi Dench-as-M scene. Sob. — M.M.
5:20 p.m. June Squibb is in the house! “I’ve actually been played by Bill Skarsgård” is definitely a top-three line of the night as she and Scarlett Johansson present the award for hair and makeup to “The Substance.” — M.M.
I would direct everyone to check out Demi Moore’s Instagram post from Halloween, which shows the absolutely bonkers makeup work they did on “The Substance.” Also worth finding: Halle Berry pulling up to Adrien Brody on the red carpet tonight, recreating that infamous kiss Brody gave her when he won the Oscar for “The Pianist.” — G.W.
5:16 p.m. So is “Anora” vs. “Conclave” all coming down to editing, Glenn? — M.M.
I predicted both to win screenplay ... and “Conclave” for editing. Which is why if Sean Baker and “Anora” wins that, it will be significant. But “Conclave” has the more obvious editing. — G.W.
5:09 p.m. Here comes “Anora,” with Sean Baker winning for original screenplay. — M.M.
Big win. Hopefully the first of many for Sean Baker. — G.W.
I was so afraid you were going to say “this means he probably won’t win for directing.” I am here for an “Anora” sweep. — M.M.
If he wins film editing later on, you’ll know “Anora” is winning best picture. — G.W.
I thought you said you were not predicting anything any more! Don’t jinx my jam! — M.M.
How many novels have you bought in an airport, Mary? Because adapted screenplay winner “Conclave” has been referred to as an “airport novel” about a million times since it premiered. — G.W.
Desultory short-hand for “successful novel.” When my novel is available in airports ... I won’t be live-blogging the Oscars any more. — M.M.
I will miss you. Maybe we can co-author something? — G.W.
5:06 p.m. Nick Offerman as the Oscars announcer is a stroke of genius. Please re-up him too. — M.M.
Offerman and now Amy Poehler to present the screenplay awards. It’s a “Parks and Rec” reunion! They’ll undoubtedly be going out for breakfast after the show. — G.W.
5:00 p.m. After that presentation, I wanted them all to win. But I think we all knew it would be “Wicked.” — M.M.
Very deserving of the honor. And Tazewell looked marvelous. — G.W.
The speeches thus far have been so moving! — M.M.
4:56 p.m. Five is a lot of people to present costume design, but any excuse for Bowen Yang — especially in a “Wicked” costume. And this personal call-out to the nominated costume designers by the folks who wore their costumes is giving me chills. — M.M.
John Lithgow is turning into the night’s unexpected MVP! — G.W.
“That cassock was so roomy and forgiving.” — M.M.
Paul Tazewell just became the first Black man to win the costume design Oscar for “Wicked”! — G.W.
4:46 p.m. Not a huge fan of people reading speeches off phones but as they just got their visas yesterday, it is actually quite touching. Like you can see them writing it on the plane “just in case.” — M.M.
I can too. Which is why, as a traditionalist, I never want them to remove those categories from the ceremony. — G.W.
Agreed! Almost always some of best moments. Plus most people who work in the art of filmmaking are not big stars. — M.M.
4:42 p.m. The “Flow” folks are very happy — honestly I love it when winners actually scream because that is what I would do. — M.M.
Such a great choice. And a bit of a surprise. I thought “The Wild Robot” would win. — G.W.
Latvia is 1-0 in animated feature films. — M.M.
My chance for a perfect scorecard is over after two awards. And I don’t know anyone who picked animated short winner “In the Shadow of the Cypress.” Is this the kind of night we’re in for? — G.W.
Does that mean Ralph Fiennes might win? — M.M.
I’m not betting against anything or anyone right now. It has been that kind of year. — G.W.
4:39 p.m. Animated feature presenter Andrew Garfield is not going to be finished until he makes Goldie Hawn cry. That is what he does. — G.W.
Telling someone that “my mother loved you” is such a double-edged sword, especially in Hollywood. But Hawn has, in fact, entertained multiple generations. — M.M.
4:34 p.m. So will Culkin’s third and fourth kids be named Emmy and Oscar or what? — M.M.
Haha. Let’s hope not. My takeaway from Kieran Culkin’s predictably delightful speech: Never make any promises to your spouse after they win a major award! — G.W.
Talk about commitment to a bit. — M.M.
What’s she going to say after he wins a Tony for “Glengarry Glen Ross”? — G.W.
4:30 p.m. Kieran Culkin, supporting actor winner for “A Real Pain,” was looking absolutely terrified before Robert Downey Jr. called his name. He knew he had to give one more speech. — G.W.
I love how Downey Jr. is actually calling out and chatting to the supporting actor nominees. And Culkin is Downey’s natural successor in so many ways — including all the bleeped profanity. — M.M.
4:28 p.m. I feel like Conan just took ownership of this hosting gig. Re-up him now. — G.W.
4:22 p.m. Don’t you hate it when you cover the Oscars only to find that Adam Sandler is wearing the same thing you are? — M.M.
Chalamet has already given us so much — the joke fodder, the buttery tux, Adam Sandler bellowing his name. I almost hope he wins now. — G.W.
4:15 p.m. “If Ralph [pronounced Rafe] Fiennes doesn’t win tonight, we get to call him Ralph [pronounced Ralph].” It’s a good night already. But no Karla Sofía Gascón reaction shot after that dig at her tweet controversy? — G.W.
They showed her asking, “What did he just say?” — M.M.
“Who is this Jimmy Kimmel?” — G.W.
Please make a joke about Chalamet’s tux. — M.M.
He obliged! And it was a good one! —G.W.
“You will not get hit on your bike tonight.” He’s coming for the streamers, too. Those Amazon/James Bond jokes were even better than the Netflix tag. — M.M.
The Lithgow sad face is going to be a great running joke through the night. — G.W.
4:10 p.m. Conan emerging from Demi Moore à la “The Substance” was a pretty good follow. And his hair really is the color of an Oscar! — M.M.
I love his energy and the self-deprecating humor. He’s leaning in to what he does so well. Always a W to dunk on Netflix, too. — G.W.
4:04 p.m. Here we go! The Oscars ceremony opens with a cinematic paean to Los Angeles, then Ariana Grande sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Would love to know how long it took to get her out of the big pink dress she wore on red carpet, but the ruby slippers-inspired gown she’s wearing onstage is pretty amazing. — M.M.
We’re a long way from that “Snow White” opening, aren’t we? That medley with “Wicked” costar Cynthia Erivo was gorgeous. Can’t remember a better opening for the Oscars. The voices. Soaring! Conan has a tough act to follow. I want to stand and applaud. And I’m watching from home! — G.W.
4 p.m. Hello, Mary! Are you all set for the 97th Oscars? I’m feeling good. Maybe not as sunny as Timothée Chalamet looks ln that buttery yellow tux, but I am (almost) giddy for a ceremony where we don’t know all the winners beforehand. “Anora” or “Conclave”? Demi Moore or Mikey Madison? Chalamet or Adrien Brody? (Will they let Chalamet onstage to accept an Oscar wearing that tux? I guess it’s too late to prevent that.) What are you looking forward to seeing tonight? — G.W.
Hey Glenn! I always appreciate it when the Oscars happen in middle of Girl Scout cookie season, so yes, locked and loaded for steady Thin Mint consumption. I’m excited to see Conan O’Brien in his Oscars hosting debut — I expect great things. And since I believe that only movies one would willingly watch more than once should win best picture, either “Anora” or “Conclave” — both of which I’ve already seen twice — would be a great outcome. (Though I’m definitely leaning “Anora’s” way.) As for that yeller tux, well, I can only hope Chalamet has hired someone for the express purpose of keeping any red wine drinkers as far away from him as possible. — M.M.
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