- Anora put on an impressive showing, taking five awards
- Adrien Brody had some notable moments
- Conan O’Brien made some on-point jokes
Last night marked the film world’s most prestigious event of the year, and as ever, it brought some huge moments.
Sometimes at the Oscars, there’s a clear consensus on who could win in any given category. This year, however, was different. In most categories, it didn’t seem obvious who could win, adding an element of unpredictability to proceedings.
Between the awards, there were plenty of antics too. So, here’s what went down…
Anora pulls off an upset
Going into the Oscars, Anora had the potential to pick up plenty of awards. It did even better than predicted, winning five Oscars including the gong for Best Picture.
Sean Baker broke an Oscars record, becoming the first person to personally win four Academy Awards for a single film. Meanwhile, lead actress Mikey Madison pulled off a surprise win for Best Actress.
It’s a triumph for an independent film made on a budget of $6 million – and for its star to win an Oscar for her first ever major role.
Adrien Brody’s long, long speech
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist -but his acceptance speech went on for quite some time.
As well as thanking people, he also mused for a while on having “the privilege of perspective”.
“Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous, and in certain moments it is, but the one thing that I have gained, having the privilege to come back here, is to have some perspective,” he said.
The orchestra began to play him off but he told them to stop so he could quickly finish.
“I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it is a reminder: Do not let hate go unchecked,” he concluded.
He was played out once again and quickly wrapped up, saying: “OK, I’ll get out of here.”
Halle Berry recreates Adrien Brody kiss
On the red carpet, Halle Berry recreated the infamous impromptu kiss Brody planted on her 22 years ago.
Brody apologised to his partner, saying: “I’m sorry, Georgina, but I’ve gotta do it.”
Berry added: “He’s nominated this year. He deserved that.”
Conan O’Brien’s jokes
Conan O’Brien made his Oscars debut last night, though he’s done the honours at other ceremonies before.
Read more: How did Conan do at the Oscars? Fans love new host
One of the most noteworthy jokes referenced Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show last month.
“Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” he said.
He outsourced some edgier jokes to some LA firefighters after they came up on stage in a moment honouring the victims of the recent fires.
“Now I know you’re going to find this hard to believe, but there are some jokes even I’m not brave enough to tell,” he quipped. “So on behalf of myself, would you please read what’s in the prompter. And remember, everyone in this audience has to laugh. These are heroes!”
LAFD Captain Erik Scott read the first joke. “Our hearts go out to all of those who lost their homes,” he said. “And I’m talking about the producers of Joker 2.”
Pasadena Fire Department Captain Jodi Slicker added: “It’s great to be back with Conan. Usually when he calls, he’s stuck in a tree.”
The sandworm in the band
It was a very spice-y orchestral addition when #Oscars host Conan O'Brien paid tribute to the Academy orchestra — including a special guest: The sand worm from "Dune" on harp. https://t.co/V6M5oTpFZW pic.twitter.com/4109CYoQA7
— ABC News (@ABC) March 3, 2025
The worm has turned… into a musician? Dune: Part Two didn’t have an especially successful night at the Oscars, but the ceremony did nod to the film in a rather quirky way.
The sandworm from the movie was playing the harp as part of the orchestra – it was even wearing a bow tie.
Adam Sandler’s strange outfit
There’s always one person at an awards show wearing an odd outfit. This time, it was Adam Sandler, who appeared wearing a Hawaiian shirt, basketball shorts, and a hoodie.
When O’Brien asked him about it, he said: “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up!
“You know what, Conan? I like my appearance because I’m a decent person. What I wear or don’t wear doesn’t matter to me. Did you feel the need to make fun of me in front of my peers because I was wearing cute gym shorts and a fluffy sweatshirt?”
Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn’s emotional moment
this moment between Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn at the Oscars was so sweet
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 3, 2025
Andrew: "There's a person who gave my mother, during her life, the most joy and the most comfort. And tonight, I feel very lucky because I get to thank that person from the bottom of my heart. That… pic.twitter.com/AaJRM3DjJp
Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn presented an award together and Garfield brought the audience to tears paying tribute to Hawn and his late mother.
“There’s someone who gave my mother, during her life, the most joy, the most comfort, and tonight I feel very lucky because I get to thank that person from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “That person is Goldie Hawn. I can feel her smiling at us at this moment.”
He also helped her with the autocue, which she struggled to see after being diagnosed with cataracts.
