The 2025 Oscars were full of surprises and mixed emotions. There was a lot happening on stage during the 2025 Oscars, and viewers saw nearly every moment on Hulu. The show opened with a “Wicked” performance that set the tone for a night of memorable speeches, funny gags, and some moments that did not work at all. In this article, we look back on the best and worst moments from the 2025 Oscars in plain, simple English.
Below, we share each highlight and lowlight of the evening. We also note how stars paid tribute to classic movies and pushed for change, while technical glitches reminded everyone that even big events can go wrong. Each section is rephrased in basic English to help everyone understand what happened during this incredible night.
2025 Oscars – A Night of Surprises and Memories
At the start of the evening, the stage was set with an inspiring performance. When it was announced that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo would perform together, fans quickly assumed they would sing a song from “Wicked,” the film for which both were nominated. It would have been odd not to seize such a chance. The two stars honored the legacy of Oz by paying tribute to the many ways Hollywood has imagined L. Frank Baum’s magical world.
Ariana Grande took the stage first. She wore a sparkling red gown that had a real ruby slipper attached to its back, a clear nod to Judy Garland’s style when singing “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” Soon after, Cynthia Erivo appeared in a flowy white dress and performed “Home,” the ballad made famous by Diana Ross in “The Wiz.” Together, they ended the performance with a powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity,” the signature song from “Wicked.” Erivo’s performance, complete with a shiver-inducing war cry, left the audience in awe. Later on, the ceremony returned to themes from Oz when Queen Latifah, in honor of Quincy Jones, sang “Ease on Down the Road.”
2025 Oscars – Most Dominant Night: Sean Baker
Sean Baker, the director of the film Anora, had a night to remember at the 2025 Oscars. In the past, Baker’s films like The Florida Project and Red Rocket had hinted at his unique style, and while those films earned some attention, they never quite captured the Academy’s full praise. This evening, however, Baker won four awards in one night. He received Oscars for editing, directing, original screenplay, and best picture. These wins tied him with Walt Disney’s record, a feat that many found astonishing.
Baker’s films are known for their R-rated content, meaning they are meant for a mature audience. Even though his movies are not designed to be light entertainment, his talent shone through clearly on this big night. The 2025 Oscars recognized him in a way that many felt was long overdue. His success proves that even directors who work on challenging films can achieve greatness at the Oscars.
2025 Oscars – Best Host for the Moment: Conan O’Brien
Conan O’Brien took on the role of host for the first time at the 2025 Oscars, and he did it with both humor and heart. Before the show, Conan felt as nervous as he was excited. From his filmed opening—where he made a funny sketch involving Demi Moore’s back in a spoof of “The Substance”—to his monologue, Conan kept the mood light and fun.
Throughout the evening, Conan explained why the Oscars are important. He pointed out winners like Flow, which became the first film from Latvia to win an Oscar, and he made jokes that even reached the political sphere. For instance, he mentioned a film about a Brooklyn sex worker who fights a powerful Russian oligarch. Conan said with a smile, “I guess Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” His comments gave the audience a mix of humor and thoughtful insight. Even though he tried to stay away from political talk, one veiled remark aimed at the Trump administration made its mark. Conan’s performance reminded everyone that the 2025 Oscars were not just about glitz and glamour—they were also about the art and craft of filmmaking.
2025 Oscars – Most On-Brand Acceptance Speech: Kieran Culkin
Kieran Culkin became a standout moment at the 2025 Oscars with one of his unique acceptance speeches. Known for his charming and rambling style, Culkin’s speech as he accepted his award for best supporting actor was both heartfelt and entertaining. In his speech, many parts were bleeped out on live TV because of strong language, but that did not stop him from sharing his sincere gratitude.
During the first part of his speech, Culkin mentioned his former co-star, Jeremy Strong, with kind words that many appreciated. He ended his speech by jokingly reminding the audience about a promise from his wife, Jazz Charton. He said that if he won the Oscar, they might have two more children—a funny update from his previous Emmy win when he had made a similar promise. This familiar blend of humor and honesty made Kieran Culkin’s moment at the 2025 Oscars very memorable for his fans and everyone watching at home.
2025 Oscars – Biggest Audible Gasp: Mikey Madison’s Win
Mikey Madison’s win for best actress at the 2025 Oscars was one of the most surprising moments of the night. Madison, who played the title role in Anora, had already earned recognition in awards season by winning trophies at events like the BAFTAs. Many viewers thought that Demi Moore, who had delivered a career-reviving performance in the body horror film The Substance, was the clear favorite for the award.
When Emma Stone announced Mikey Madison as the winner, the shock was evident on screen. Madison herself looked surprised as the camera captured her placing her hands over her mouth and blinking in disbelief. In her short speech, she described the moment as “very surreal” and added that she felt as if she were dreaming. This genuine reaction resonated with many viewers and made her win a standout event of the 2025 Oscars.
2025 Oscars – Worst ‘You Had One Job’: Hulu’s Streaming Glitch
One of the biggest letdowns during the 2025 Oscars was the technical problem experienced by Hulu. Just before the award for best actress was announced, Hulu’s live stream suddenly cut out. A message appeared on screen that read, “Thank you for watching! This live event has now ended. You may exit playback and select something else to watch.” This unexpected cutoff came at a time when many viewers were eagerly waiting to see the acceptance speech.
This glitch was not an isolated incident. Earlier in the evening, some Hulu subscribers had already reported issues with their stream. The company later stated on social media that they were working on fixing the problem as a high priority. The interruption left many viewers frustrated, especially after a long night filled with emotional and exciting moments. The technical failure on such a crucial part of the ceremony reminded everyone that even major events like the 2025 Oscars are vulnerable to streaming problems.
2025 Oscars – Worst Insult: No Clips for Supporting Actors
Another point of criticism during the 2025 Oscars was the decision not to show any film clips in the supporting actor categories. Instead of displaying memorable moments from the films, the telecast only played comments from last year’s winners, such as Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Robert Downey Jr. This decision did not sit well with many viewers.
Even though Conan O’Brien had delivered a playful musical number that featured a dancing Deadpool and even a sandworm from a Dune parody playing “Chopsticks” on a piano, the absence of actual film clips was seen as a missed opportunity. Fans and critics alike felt that showing clips would have better celebrated the hard work of the nominees. The omission turned what could have been an engaging segment into a moment that many labeled as one of the biggest insults of the night.
2025 Oscars – Most Political Speech
The 2025 Oscars were not just about entertainment; they also gave a stage to strong political voices. The documentary No Other Land took home the award for best documentary feature. During the acceptance speeches, two of the film’s credited directors spoke passionately about political issues that are rarely discussed on mainstream television.
Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham did not hold back in their remarks. Adra urged the world to stop what he called “injustice” and to end the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. In a similar tone, Abraham condemned the destruction in Gaza and described the tragic events that had affected its people. Their speeches were thoughtful and moving, even though they touched on subjects that are highly charged and controversial in American political discourse. The bold statements made by these filmmakers reminded everyone that the 2025 Oscars were a place where art and politics could meet in powerful ways.
2025 Oscars – That’s Why the Orchestra Is There
One notable feature of the night was the careful use of the live orchestra during the 2025 Oscars. The music was used not just as a background element but as a tool to manage the pace of the show. The orchestra was called upon to play at just the right moments, especially when some acceptance speeches began to go on for too long.
For example, during the acceptance of the best original song for “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez, the orchestra switched to another tune to signal that the speaker needed to wrap up. In another instance, when Adrien Brody won best actor for his role in The Brutalist, he asked the orchestra to pause their music so he could finish his speech. Once he made his point, the music resumed, but only after he had completely finished speaking. This careful timing by the musical team helped balance the length of speeches and kept the audience engaged throughout the 2025 Oscars.
2025 Oscars – Best Sign of Creative Change: Animation Draws New Borders
The 2025 Oscars also celebrated creativity in animation, proving that innovation can come from anywhere. One of the most surprising wins was for the film Flow, a dialogue-free animated story made in Latvia using open-source software. This win was historic because it marked the first time a film from Latvia won an Oscar in the animated feature category. Flow managed to beat two popular American films, including The Wild Robot and Inside Out 2, the latter being the highest-grossing film of 2024.
Director Gints Zilbalodis of Flow spoke about how the film’s story—about animals coming together in times of disaster—was a reminder that people everywhere need to unite and overcome differences. In the animated short category, the film In the Shadow of the Cypress from Iran took the prize. Its directors, Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, arrived in Los Angeles just a few hours before the ceremony. Their film, which deals with the emotional trauma of war, received warm applause from the audience. These wins at the 2025 Oscars show that great animation can cross borders and bring new stories to life, no matter where it is made.
2025 Oscars – Most Personal Oscars Presentation: Costume Design
In a touching moment during the 2025 Oscars, the ceremony took a personal approach to honor the craft of costume design. Traditionally, costume designers do not get as much attention as actors. However, this year the show made it a point to let the actors themselves thank the designers who dressed them so beautifully. In a manner similar to a 2009 presentation where past winners came together, actors stepped out to recognize the people behind the costumes.
A funny moment occurred when Bowen Yang came on stage dressed exactly like his character from Wicked. But the highlight of the segment was when Paul Tazewell won the Oscar for costume design. Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win in that category. This presentation was not only a celebration of creative work but also a personal tribute to the artists who help bring characters to life on screen.
2025 Oscars – Best Shout-out to Mom: Zoe Saldaña’s Heartfelt Speech
Among the many moving moments of the night, Zoe Saldaña’s speech stood out as particularly heartfelt. Although not all winners had their full speeches heard because of off-camera interviews, Zoe’s words were full of emotion and gratitude. As she stepped on stage, she began by thanking her family in a warm and personal way. “Mami! My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor,” she said with deep feeling.
Zoe spoke about the strength and quiet heroism of women, reminding everyone of the power that lies in both the big and small moments in life. She also turned her praise to her husband, telling him that he had “hung the moon” in their lives and that their sons, Cy, Bowie, and Zen, filled their nights with stars. By the end of her speech, she proudly described herself as a child of immigrant parents and remembered her grandmother with a loving nod. Zoe Saldaña’s sincere words became one of the most memorable parts of the 2025 Oscars.
2025 Oscars – Tribute That Felt Like a Farewell: The James Bond Legacy
The 2025 Oscars also featured a tribute that many felt was more like a farewell than a celebration. The tribute honored Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the longtime custodians of the James Bond franchise. For decades, they managed one of the most successful and beloved film series in history. However, just last month, they sold their rights to the iconic character to Amazon, signaling big changes for the future of James Bond movies.
The tribute included a medley of Bond themes that tried to capture the spirit of the franchise. Yet, for some viewers, it felt confused and out of place. Actress Halle Berry, who starred in Die Another Day as a Bond girl, commented that every generation has its own Bond. Her words summed up the feeling of the moment—acknowledging that while the world changes, the legacy of James Bond does too. Many wondered whether it was time to move on from the old ways of celebrating this historic series.
2025 Oscars – Best Common Cause: The Call to Return to Theaters
A strong message during the 2025 Oscars was the appeal to bring audiences back to movie theaters. Two separate moments during the night underlined this call. The first was a humorous fake advertisement by Conan O’Brien. In his playful sketch for “CinemaStreams,” he mocked the idea of watching movies on small screens, comparing it to sitting in a room with hundreds of glued-together phone screens. In his own words, he encouraged people to enjoy the full movie-going experience with real screens, comfortable seating, and even velvet ropes—essentially, a proper movie theater.
Later in the night, when Sean Baker accepted his directing award, he used his speech to deliver what he called his “battle cry” for theaters. Baker pointed out that the number of movie screens in the United States had decreased by nearly 1,000 during the pandemic. His message was clear: films are made for the big screen, and audiences should support movie theaters by going out to watch films. His passionate words resonated with many, serving as a reminder that the magic of cinema lies in the communal experience of watching a movie together.
2025 Oscars – Most Untimely Omission: Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg
The in memoriam segment at the 2025 Oscars was meant to honor the legends of film who had passed away during the past year. Many significant figures were remembered, including Gene Hackman, David Lynch, Maggie Smith, and James Earl Jones. However, one notable omission was Michelle Trachtenberg. The actress, known for her roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl as well as films such as Harriet the Spy and Ice Princess, had passed away at the age of 39 just a day before the announcement of Gene Hackman’s death.
For many fans, Michelle Trachtenberg’s work was an important part of their childhood and early television memories. Her absence from the in memoriam tribute was felt deeply by those who grew up watching her on screen. Even though the segment honored many great talents, the lack of mention for Trachtenberg left a gap that many viewers found hard to overlook.
Reflections on a Night of Highs and Lows
The 2025 Oscars proved to be a night of highs and lows, a blend of creative triumphs and notable missteps. On one side, we witnessed brilliant performances and heartfelt speeches that celebrated both established and emerging talents. On the other side, technical glitches and questionable programming decisions reminded us that even the biggest nights in Hollywood can stumble.
The performances that paid homage to classic films, like the stirring duets from Wicked, reminded us why the Oscars are such a cherished event. They connected past cinematic achievements with new interpretations, showing that the legacy of movies is always evolving. The musical tributes and creative presentations, including the role of the live orchestra and the personal acknowledgments in costume design, highlighted the deep artistry behind every film.
At the same time, moments like Hulu’s streaming failure and the lack of film clips in the supporting actor segments sparked frustration among viewers. These missteps showed that while the 2025 Oscars celebrated creative excellence, they were not immune to errors that can affect the overall experience. Yet, even these shortcomings provided food for thought on how future broadcasts might be improved.
Conan O’Brien’s role as host was particularly significant. His ability to balance humor with serious reflection on the state of cinema, from praising small creative victories to subtly critiquing the industry, set the tone for a night that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. His remarks on the importance of supporting movie theaters were especially timely, as the film industry continues to navigate changes in viewing habits and technology.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Oscars
As we reflect on the moments from the 2025 Oscars, it is clear that the event was more than just a ceremony for handing out awards. It was a night of storytelling—a celebration of the art of film that acknowledged both the beauty and the imperfections of the movie industry. Each segment, whether it was a stirring performance or an unexpected technical glitch, added to the narrative of a night that will be remembered for its mix of triumph and turmoil.
For many in the film community and among fans, the 2025 Oscars served as a call to action. Directors like Sean Baker reminded us that innovative storytelling and bold artistic choices are celebrated at the highest levels. Meanwhile, the emphasis on returning to movie theaters underscored the idea that cinema is a shared experience that goes beyond the screen. This dual message of artistic excellence and communal effort may well define the future of the Oscars and the film industry as a whole.
The tribute segments, both the moving in memoriam and the celebratory nods to iconic franchises like James Bond, also spoke to the ongoing dialogue between the past and the future. While some moments felt like farewells to old traditions, they also opened the door for new interpretations and new voices in cinema. The creative risks taken by animated films like Flow and In the Shadow of the Cypress demonstrated that innovation is alive and well, even in categories that traditionally leaned toward established styles.
The 2025 Oscars reminded us that every moment on stage, whether high or low, contributes to the rich tapestry of film history. From heartfelt speeches that honor family and legacy to playful sketches that invite laughter and light-heartedness, the evening captured the full range of human emotion. It showed that despite its flaws, the Oscars continue to serve as a powerful platform for recognizing the transformative power of movies.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Oscars
In conclusion, the 2025 Oscars were a complex mix of excitement, creativity, and unexpected challenges. The night gave us moments of pure joy—like the stirring performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—and moments of disappointment, such as the Hulu streaming error that left many viewers frustrated. Each segment of the evening told a part of the larger story of Hollywood’s ongoing evolution.
The success of directors like Sean Baker, the candid and humorous hosting by Conan O’Brien, and the deeply personal acceptance speeches by stars like Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin reminded us that the Oscars are not just about winning awards. They are about celebrating the craft of filmmaking and the collective effort it takes to bring stories to life. Even the missteps and omissions, such as the absence of Michelle Trachtenberg in the in memoriam segment, served as important reminders of the gaps that still exist in how we honor our film heroes.
As we look back on this memorable night, we see that the 2025 Oscars were more than a simple award show. They were a reflection of a dynamic and changing industry, one that is constantly redefining what it means to make and enjoy movies. The event was a call to remember where we came from and to look forward to what is yet to come, whether that means returning to the communal experience of movie theaters or embracing new forms of storytelling in animation and beyond.
The legacy of the 2025 Oscars will likely be discussed for years to come. It was a night that balanced tradition with innovation, humor with gravity, and excellence with imperfection. For many fans, it reinforced the idea that while technical glitches and programming errors may mar the experience, the spirit of the Oscars—the celebration of art, creativity, and community—remains as strong as ever.
In the end, the 2025 Oscars showed us that the magic of movies lives on in every heartfelt performance, every passionate speech, and even in the moments of unexpected error. It is a celebration of all that makes cinema a vital part of our culture—a reminder that every film, every artist, and every moment on stage contributes to a larger story that binds us together as lovers of the art form.
A Recap for Future Generations
As we close this recap of the 2025 Oscars, let us remember that each year brings new stories, new voices, and new challenges to the film industry. The highs and lows of this night will serve as lessons for future ceremonies. Directors, actors, hosts, and even technical teams can learn from the successes and mistakes of the 2025 Oscars to create even better experiences in the years ahead.
For those who are passionate about cinema, the events of the 2025 Oscars are a call to keep supporting creativity, innovation, and the communal joy of watching movies together. Whether it is through returning to the movie theater, celebrating groundbreaking animated films, or simply enjoying the humor and honesty of a well-crafted acceptance speech, the legacy of the 2025 Oscars is one of resilience and passion.
The 2025 Oscars remind us that while every award show may have its imperfections, its ultimate purpose is to honor the art that brings us together. As the film industry continues to evolve and as new challenges arise, we can take comfort in the fact that moments of true magic on stage will always be celebrated—moments that reflect our shared love for storytelling and the unique power of movies to touch our lives.
In Summary
The 2025 Oscars were a night of memorable performances, stirring speeches, and unexpected challenges. From the dazzling tribute to Oz with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to the record-tying wins of Sean Baker, the ceremony offered something for everyone. The humorous yet thoughtful hosting by Conan O’Brien, the candid acceptance speeches of Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña, and even the technical glitches experienced on Hulu all played their part in creating a night that will be remembered for years to come.
Every segment of the night, whether it celebrated artistic achievement or highlighted an area in need of improvement, contributed to a narrative of change and resilience. The 2025 Oscars taught us that while not every moment will be perfect, the heart of the event lies in its ability to bring together filmmakers and audiences in a shared celebration of creativity.
As we reflect on this extraordinary night, we are reminded that the true value of the Oscars goes beyond awards and accolades. It is about the stories we tell, the emotions we share, and the progress we make together. The 2025 Oscars will always be remembered as a night when the highs and lows of Hollywood were on full display—a night when the magic of cinema shone through every challenge and every triumph.
By looking back on these moments with clear and simple language, we hope to have captured the true spirit of the 2025 Oscars. This recap is not just a review of an event; it is a reminder that every part of the Oscars, from the best moments to the worst, tells the story of an industry that continues to grow, change, and inspire us all.
Whether you are a lifelong movie fan or someone new to the magic of cinema, the 2025 Oscars have given us a lot to talk about. The blend of humor, drama, and unexpected errors makes this night a perfect example of how even the most carefully planned events can take surprising turns. Yet, through it all, the core message remains clear: movies are a powerful force that can unite us, move us, and change the way we see the world.
Thank you for joining us as we revisit the best and worst moments of the 2025 Oscars. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape the future of film and the next generation of award shows. Enjoy the memories and let them remind you of the enduring magic that movies bring into our lives.
