Oscars 2025 recap: Highlights and biggest moments from 97th Academy Awards

ByKimberlee Sakamoto, Hayley FitzPatrick, Carson Blackwelder, Angeline Jane Bernabe, and Mason Leib OTRC logo
Last updated: Monday, March 3, 2025 5:20AM GMT
2025 Oscars
Joelle Garguilo recaps the Oscars, highlighting some of the big moments.

LOS ANGELES -- The 2025 Oscars honored the best in cinema from the past year Sunday night.

The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, ended with "Anora" taking home the coveted trophy for best picture.

"Anora" was the top film of the night, taking home five Oscars including best director for Sean Baker.

The top acting prizes went to Adrien Brody, who won best actor for "The Brutalist," and Mikey Madison, who won best actress for "Anora." Winning in the supporting categories were "Emilia Pérez" star Zoe Saldaña and "A Real Pain" star Kieran Culkin.

Heading into the ceremony, "Emilia Pérez" led the field of nominees with 13 total Oscar nominations. It ended the night with two trophies.

This year's show honored the city of Los Angeles in the wake of the wildfires that left at least 29 dead and destroyed thousands of homes earlier this year, bringing firefighters onto the Oscars stage and hosting a charitable component to raise money for fire victims.

The Oscars ceremony aired live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu for the first time.

Scroll down for a recap of the Oscars and check out all coverage of the 97th Academy Awards here.


OTRC logo
Mar 03, 2025, 12:32 AM

Full list of winners from the 97th Academy Awards

Go here for a look at the full winners list.

OTRC logo
Mar 03, 2025, 4:35 AM

PHOTOS: 2025 Oscars parties highlights

Take a look at the photo gallery below for the glitz and glamour of the Oscars viewing and after parties with exclusive photos capturing Hollywood's elite celebrating the night in style.

1 of 67
Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
OTRC logo
Mar 02, 2025, 11:00 PM GMT

How and where to watch the Oscars

You won't want to miss the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, and all the post-show excitement!

Go here for a look at how you can watch and where you can stream the red carpet arrivals and 2025 Oscars.

GMA logo
Mar 02, 2025, 10:55 PM GMT

Oscars host Conan O'Brien and wife Liza hit the red carpet

Conan O'Brien hit the Oscars red carpet with his wife Liza Powel O'Brien by his side.

Conan O'Brien, left, and Liza Powel O'Brien arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Conan O'Brien, left, and Liza Powel O'Brien arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

This year marks the comedian's first time hosting the Oscars.

"I'm excited because I grew up watching the Oscars," O'Brien told "GMA" in an interview that aired Feb. 26. "I dreamed of, like, being a seat filler at the Oscars. I never thought, 'Oh, I'll host the Oscars.' I always kept my dreams very attainable."

O'Brien and his wife married in 2002. They share two children.

GMA logo
Mar 02, 2025, 10:51 PM GMT

Cynthia Erivo hits the red carpet ahead of 2025 Oscars performance

Cynthia Erivo has arrived on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards.

Cynthia Erivo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Erivo is nominated for best actress for her role as Elphaba in the hit film "Wicked."

"Wicked" is up for 10 total awards tonight including best picture.

Erivo is slated to perform during the show. When asked on the carpet what viewers can expect from her performance, Erivo told ABC News, "When you see it, you will know."

GMA logo
Mar 02, 2025, 10:46 PM GMT

Ariana Grande channels Glinda on the carpet

"Wicked" star Ariana Grande has hit the Oscars red carpet.

The actress channeled her character Glinda from the blockbuster film, wearing a light pink Schiaparelli gown for the occasion.

Ariana Grande arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Grande is nominated for best supporting actress tonight for her role in "Wicked."

See more fashion moments from the red carpet here.