The 97th Academy Awards Recap
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Surprises, Snubs, and the Unforgettable Moments Everyone's Talking About
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, proved to be an unforgettable night, brimming with surprises, standout moments, and a few unexpected twists. The Oscars have long been a platform for Hollywood’s finest to shine, but this year’s ceremony introduced fresh faces and long-awaited wins that will leave viewers buzzing for days. With Conan’s signature humor, a handful of historic milestones, and some surprisingly bold moves from the winners and performers, this year’s event felt as much like a celebration of cinema as it did a glimpse into the future of the film industry.
Conan O’Brien’s Hilarious and Heartfelt Hosting
From the moment Conan O’Brien took the stage, it was clear this wouldn’t be your average Oscar ceremony. Known for his witty one-liners, sharp humor, and playful antics, Conan brought a refreshing energy to the evening. His opening monologue included everything from poking fun at the absurdity of the awards season to incorporating a dance routine to keep the show’s pacing lively. However, it wasn’t just all fun and games. In a rare, poignant moment, Conan took time to speak about the power of art during times of adversity, referencing the wildfires that affected Los Angeles earlier in the year. His message that art brings people together, no matter how divided the world may seem, was a heartfelt reminder of why award shows like the Oscars continue to matter.
A Grand Opening by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
The 97th Oscars kicked off with an iconic performance that fans will be talking about for years. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—both of whom have roots in musical theater—joined forces for a jaw-dropping duet of Defying Gravity, the anthem from Wicked. This was a full-circle moment, as Wicked itself has been a cultural touchstone for Broadway lovers. Grande, stunning in Schiaparelli, and Erivo in a white ballgown, commanded the stage with their powerful voices, captured the hearts of both theater fans and moviegoers alike. Their opening number was followed by a nod to the film The Wizard of Oz with their individual performances of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Home from The Wiz, rounding out the magical tribute to Broadway’s influence on Hollywood. It was a truly memorable start to the evening.
Breaking Barriers: Paul Tazewell and Historic Wins
One of the night’s most significant moments came when Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win Best Costume Design at the Oscars for his work on Wicked. Tazewell’s victory marks a major step forward in an industry that has historically overlooked the contributions of people of color in behind-the-scenes roles. He is only the second Black person to win the category, following Ruth E. Carter, who made history with her win for Black Panther. This was a moment of pride for many in the industry, as Tazewell’s win underscored the importance of diversity and representation in every aspect of filmmaking.
One of the most powerful moments of the night came when No Other Land, a documentary shedding light on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, won Best Documentary Feature. Directed by Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli investigative journalist, the film captures the devastation in Masafer Yatta, a village in the occupied West Bank, as Israeli soldiers demolish homes to turn the area into a military training zone. Over the course of four years of filming, No Other Land highlights the personal and political struggles that both Adra and Abraham face while documenting this crisis. In their acceptance speech, the filmmakers took the opportunity to advocate for peace, urging the world to recognize the need for both Palestinian liberation and Israeli security. Their call for unity and the end of violence resonated deeply, making their win not just about cinema, but about a crucial message for global peace.
The Surprise Domination of Anora
While many expected a night of predictable winners, Anora, an indie film about a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, took the Oscars by storm. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director for Sean Baker. Baker made history himself by becoming only the second director to win four Oscars in a single night, following Walt Disney’s unprecedented achievement. The film also saw Mikey Madison take home the Best Actress trophy in a shocking upset, besting established favorites like Demi Moore. This win for Madison, in particular, was a testament to the Oscars’ willingness to reward fresh talent and bring attention to films that might have otherwise flown under the radar.
Rising Stars and Historic Achievements
The 97th Oscars also celebrated the achievements of long-deserving stars. Zoe Saldaña, who has long been an influential figure in Hollywood, won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. In her emotional acceptance speech, she celebrated her immigrant roots, pointing out that she was the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award, and promised she wouldn’t be the last. Her words resonated deeply with those who see Hollywood as an ever-changing landscape, where diversity and inclusion are becoming more of the norm than the exception.
Meanwhile, The Brutalist earned Adrien Brody his second Best Actor win for his performance in the film. Nearly two decades after his first Oscar for The Pianist, Brody’s victory was a reminder of his enduring talent and versatility as an actor. His acceptance speech included a powerful message about the need for a more inclusive and compassionate world, particularly in the face of systemic oppression.
Shocking Snubs: Timothée Chalamet and Diane Warren
While the night was filled with unexpected victories, there were also a few notable snubs that left fans disappointed. Timothée Chalamet, despite his incredible performances over the years, lost the Oscar once again, this time for his role in A Complete Unknown. This was his second loss, having also come up short in 2018 for Call Me by Your Name. Though he remains one of the most talented actors of his generation, his failure to secure the Oscar has left many wondering when his moment will come.
Another heartbreak came for Diane Warren, who faced her 16th loss in the Best Original Song category. Despite being a favorite and a prolific songwriter, Warren’s song The Journey from The Six Triple Eight was not enough to bring her the win. After so many years of consistent nominations, Warren’s absence from the winner's circle is one of the most talked-about snubs of the evening.
A Stylish Musical Tribute and Powerful Performances
The Oscars’ musical tribute to the James Bond franchise was a major highlight, featuring a star-studded performance by Raye, LISA, and Doja Cat. Their energetic rendition brought the house down and showcased the versatility of modern music, blending pop with cinematic nostalgia. While some of the tributes throughout the night, like the Wicked performance, made a huge impact, others like the James Bond tribute reminded us how music continues to play an integral role in the Oscar experience.
Kieran Culkin’s Oscar Win and a Touch of Humor
Kieran Culkin, already halfway to an EGOT after his win for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, used his moment on stage to add a bit of humor to the evening. He jokingly told his wife, Jazz Charton, that they should get to work on expanding their family—after all, he’d promised more kids if he ever won an Oscar. His lighthearted moment brought some comic relief during the four-hour show.
Memorable Tributes and Missing Faces
As always, the Oscars included a tribute to those we’ve lost over the past year. Iconic figures such as Quincy Jones were remembered during the In Memoriam segment. However, some viewers were upset by the omission of beloved actor Tony Todd, leaving fans disappointed as such a figure was left out.
The 97th Academy Awards were a celebration of both the past and the future of Hollywood. From groundbreaking wins to historic performances and even a few snubs, the night offered a glimpse of what’s to come in the world of cinema. With Anora stealing the spotlight, performances that left the audience in awe, and moments that blended humor with serious reflection, the Oscars showed that it’s still a night where magic happens on screen—and off.
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