Movie buffs get ready! Hollywood's biggest night the Oscars was back in 2025 and it was a memorable one . If you are already thinking about next year's ceremony or just curious about what went down at the 97th Academy Awards we have got you covered. From showtimes to the buzziest moments let's break down everything you need to know about the Oscars.
So What Time Did the Oscars Actually Start? Mark Your Calendar for Next Year!
For the 97th Academy Awards the big night happened on Sunday March 2 2025. Circle that date on your calendars for future reference movie fans ! The show kicked off a bit earlier than some past ceremonies at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. So you could settle in a bit earlier grab your popcorn and get ready for the glitz glamour and hopefully some surprises.
And get comfy because the 2025 Oscars were a bit of a marathon. Clocking in at a hefty three hours and 45 minutes it was a long show. But many viewers agreed it was a good one packed with moments worth watching. So when you plan your Oscars night remember it is a commitment but usually a pretty entertaining one!
Conan O'Brien's Hosting Debut: Did He Nail It? Plus Best and Worst Moments from the 2025 Oscars
Hosting duties for the 97th Oscars went to none other than late-night legend Conan O'Brien. And by most accounts he really delivered. Critics and viewers seemed to agree Conan brought the funny kept the show moving and even made fun of himself a bit. Some are already saying he should be a recurring Oscars host. He balanced jokes about the nominees with some self-deprecating humor and even a musical number featuring a dancing sandworm. Yes a sandworm.
Of course no Oscars are complete without some memorable moments both good and maybe a little awkward. Here are a few highlights from the 2025 ceremony:
- Sean Baker's Historic Wins: Director Sean Baker and his film "Anora" were the big winners of the night. Baker himself took home a record-tying four Oscars for producing directing writing and editing the film. That is seriously impressive.
- Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody's Acting Wins: "Anora's" Mikey Madison snagged the Lead Actress Oscar in a bit of an upset while Adrien Brody won Lead Actor for "The Brutalist" marking his second win.
- Zoe Saldaña's Powerful Speech: Zoe Saldaña's Supporting Actress win for "Emilia Pérez" was a highlight with her emotional speech celebrating immigrants and making history as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
- Conan's Opening Monologue and Sandworm Antics: Conan's opening monologue was well-received with jokes landing and his willingness to roll with the punches when some didn't. The dancing sandworm bit was definitely a talked-about moment.
- "Wicked" Opening Number: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the show with a medley of songs from "The Wizard of Oz" "The Wiz" and "Wicked". While the performances were great some felt it was a bit much to start the show and made the pacing feel off from the beginning.
- Adrien Brody's Lengthy Speech: While Brody's win was celebrated his acceptance speech for Best Actor went on a bit long even prompting the play-off music and some playful banter from Brody himself.
- Karla Sofía Gascón Scandal Acknowledged: The Oscars directly addressed the controversy surrounding "Emilia Pérez" star Karla Sofía Gascón in Conan's opening monologue showing they weren't shying away from the issue.
Missed the Show? Catch Up on Acceptance Speeches and Key Moments Online
If you happened to miss the 2025 Oscars don't worry you can still catch up on all the best bits. Acceptance speeches from winners like Kieran Culkin Zoe Saldaña and Sean Baker are available online. You can also find clips of Conan O'Brien's hosting highlights the "Wicked" opening number and other must-see moments. A quick search online will bring you right up to speed so you don't miss out on the buzz.
Oscars Time and Date Recap: Get Ready for Next Year!
So to sum it all up for the 97th Academy Awards:
- Date: Sunday March 2 2025
- Start Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time
- Host: Conan O'Brien
- Best Picture Winner: "Anora"
- Longest Show Time: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Where to Watch (Historically): ABC and streaming platforms (check local listings for future airings)
Keep these details in mind as you look ahead to the next awards season. The Oscars are always a night of celebration surprises and plenty of talking points. Whether you are a die-hard movie fan or just enjoy the spectacle it is an event you won't want to miss. And now you know exactly when to tune in!