The Oscars no one expected: Shocking victories and devastating losses

The 97th Academy Awards delivered a night filled with surprises, emotional speeches, and record-breaking moments. Among the biggest shocks was 25-year-old rising star Mikey Madison winning the Best Actress award over seasoned Hollywood veteran Demi Moore. Madison’s victory for her role in “Anora” was the crowning achievement in a night that saw the film dominate the awards with five wins. As the stars dazzled on the red carpet and fans eagerly awaited the results, the evening unfolded into one of the most memorable Oscar ceremonies in history.

Demi Moore’s unexpected defeat

Demi Moore had been the frontrunner throughout the awards season, receiving critical acclaim for her haunting performance in “The Substance.” Many experts and fans alike had anticipated her win, expecting an Oscar to cap off her triumphant return to the spotlight. However, Mikey Madison’s gripping portrayal of a Brooklyn escort in “Anora” captured the Academy’s attention, ultimately securing her the win. The competition was fierce, with other nominees including Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” and Fernanda Torres for “I’m Still Here.” Madison’s victory marked a significant moment in her young career, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most promising new talents.

“Anora” takes center stage

The biggest winner of the night was “Anora,” a film that captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and compelling performances. The drama, centered around a young escort who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, swept the major categories, including Best Picture. Facing tough competition from films like “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked,” “Anora” emerged as the dominant force of the evening. Its gripping narrative and powerful direction by Sean Baker made it the undisputed champion of the 2025 Oscars.

Adrien Brody secures second best actor Oscar

Adrien Brody made Oscar history once again by winning his second Best Actor award for his performance in “The Brutalist.” The 51-year-old actor, who previously won for “The Pianist” in 2003, delivered an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his career and calling for unity in the industry. His triumph came against formidable competition, including Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”). Brody’s heartfelt speech and the sheer intensity of his performance cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

Zoe Saldaña’s historic win despite controversy

Zoe Saldaña made history as the first Dominican-American to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” Her win was a powerful moment, as she dedicated the award to her ancestors and the struggles they overcame. Despite her victory, the film was mired in controversy due to Karla Sofía Gascón’s past offensive tweets, which cast a shadow over its awards campaign. Saldaña triumphed over Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”), and Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”), cementing her legacy in Hollywood.

Kieran Culkin’s memorable best supporting actor speech

Kieran Culkin brought humor and heart to the ceremony with his win for Best Supporting Actor in “A Real Pain.” The 42-year-old actor’s acceptance speech had the audience roaring with laughter. He jokingly confessed that his wife, Jazz Charton, had promised they would have another child if he won an Oscar. His witty remarks and genuine excitement made his moment one of the most talked-about highlights of the night. Culkin outperformed Yura Borisov (“Anora”), Edward Norton (“A Complete Unknown”), Guy Pearce (“The Brutalist”), and Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”). This win solidified his place among Hollywood’s elite.

Paul Tazewell makes history in costume design

Paul Tazewell achieved a groundbreaking victory, becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Achievement in Costume Design. His breathtaking work on “Wicked” set a new standard for the industry, impressing both audiences and critics alike. Competing against formidable designs from “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Gladiator II,” and “Nosferatu,” Tazewell’s visionary creations stood out. Overcome with emotion, he dedicated his award to his team and the talented cast of “Wicked.”

Sean Baker’s double win for “Anora”

Sean Baker, the mastermind behind “Anora,” walked away with two major wins—Best Original Screenplay and Achievement in Film Editing. His unique storytelling style and innovative editing techniques played a crucial role in the film’s success. Baker’s ability to craft compelling narratives has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. Meanwhile, Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on “Conclave,” further diversifying the night’s major winners.

Conan O’Brien’s roasting highlights the ceremony

Making his debut as an Oscar host, Conan O’Brien did not hold back. His razor-sharp wit and bold jokes had the audience in stitches throughout the night. One of his most talked-about moments was his jabs at Karla Sofía Gascón’s past controversial tweets. The jokes made Gascón visibly uncomfortable in her seat. O’Brien also poked fun at “Anora” for setting a record for the most expletives in an Oscar-winning film. He humorously compared it to Gascón’s ongoing PR crisis. O’Brien’s fearless comedic approach made for an unforgettable hosting performance.

“Emilia Pérez” faces awards season backlash

Despite leading the Oscar nominations with 13 nods, “Emilia Pérez” faced setbacks due to the controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón. The backlash against her racist and Islamophobic tweets significantly impacted the film’s awards campaign, leading Netflix to withdraw support for her Oscar bid. Though Gascón attended the ceremony, the controversy loomed over the film’s chances, resulting in fewer wins than expected.

The Best Actress showdown

The Best Actress race was one of the most fiercely contested categories of the night. Demi Moore’s comeback in “The Substance” positioned her as a strong favorite. However, Mikey Madison’s career-defining performance in “Anora” ultimately won over the Academy. Madison’s victories at the BAFTAs and Independent Spirit Awards had hinted at her Oscar potential. But Moore’s extensive awards season momentum made the result a true nail-biter. Meanwhile, Gascón’s historic nomination as the first transgender Best Actress nominee was overshadowed by her off-screen controversies.

“Anora” secures its place in Oscar history

“Anora” made an indelible mark on the 97th Academy Awards, proving that it was a late-season contender that could not be ignored. Winning major awards at the Directors Guild and Producers Guild Awards had already signaled its strength leading up to the Oscars. As Sean Baker and the cast celebrated their wins, the film’s gripping narrative and dynamic performances ensured its place in cinematic history.

A night to remember

The 2025 Academy Awards will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable ceremonies in recent history. From Mikey Madison’s groundbreaking win to Adrien Brody’s heartfelt speech, and from Zoe Saldaña’s historic victory to Conan O’Brien’s sharp-tongued humor, the night had everything—drama, triumphs, and controversy. With “Anora” reigning supreme and Hollywood buzzing with excitement, the 97th Oscars left an undeniable impact on the industry.