The last two months have given us an Oscar season like no other—so it’s only right that the 97th Academy Awards matched that (frankly extreme) level of drama. Going into Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, tensions and anxieties seemed to be at an all-time high: What would become of the acting and best-picture races that still felt too close to call? How would producers balance the need for a fast-paced, entertaining ceremony with honoring those who were on the frontlines of the devastating LA wildfires? And how on earth would the show deal with the presence of Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón, whose best-actress campaign imploded in the midst of a shocking scandal?
From the viral red-carpet outings and showstopping musical performances to the most emotional speeches and jaw-dropping twists, these are all the moments you might have missed from the 2025 Oscars.
Sequins reigned supreme
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
From the more subtle embellishments on Ariana Grande’s Glinda-inspired tulle (not to mention her body glitter) and Zoe Saldaña’s strapless Saint Laurent, to Rachel Sennott’s all-out, Barbie-pink ball gown, Lupita Nyong’o in pearl-encrusted white, Selena Gomez and Emma Stone dripping with crystals, Joe Locke’s embellished waistcoat, Cynthia Erivo’s incredible nails, Coralie Fargeat’s shimmering black frock, Mindy Kaling’s silver floor-skimmer and Wicked star Marissa Bode’s red-hot number, A-listers dazzled on the step and repeat.
Women over 50 didn’t hold back
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Fernanda Torres shimmied in her feathered showstopper, Whoopi Goldberg showed up in retina-searing electric blue, a 79-year-old Goldie Hawn wore gold, and Demi Moore shut down the red carpet in a silver, sculpted stunner. While many younger starlets (Elle Fanning, Blackpink’s Lisa, Margaret Qualley, et al) underplayed it with more classic looks, their more experienced colleagues, thankfully, did the opposite.
Ghost co-stars Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg also had a very sweet reunion.
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Halle Berry playfully recreated that wild 2003 kiss with Adrien Brody on the red carpet
Was it, uh, weird when Brody kissed Berry onstage at the 2003 Academy Awards? Absolutely. Was it funny for Berry to reference the moment while greeting Brody on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars? Objectively, yes.
Timothée Chalamet went full pastel-hued Willy Wonka—as only he can
Photo: Getty Images
