Movie buffs unite! The 2025 Oscars just wrapped and let me tell you there was a lot to unpack. Conan O'Brien hosted for the first time and brought his signature quirky humor 'Anora' and 'Conclave' surprised some folks and we even got a little 'Wicked' magic. Ready to dive into all the highlights? Let's get started!
Conan O'Brien's Oscar Hosting Debut: Loopy Monologue Jokes and No Time Wasted (Except Maybe on Bond?)
Conan O'Brien finally got his shot hosting the Oscars and he did not disappoint. Right from the start he set a funny and light tone. He even emerged from a Demi Moore dummy in a nod to "The Substance" which was pretty wild. His monologue was full of classic Conan-style jokes. He poked fun at the length of some nominated movies Netflix's price hikes and even the controversy around "Emilia Pérez".
He had some killer lines like joking about "Anora" using the F-word 479 times "three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascón’s publicist" and quipping that Bob Dylan wanted to be there "but not that badly." He even joked about Amazon buying the James Bond franchise and suggested their executive Steve Belsky as the next 007. It was all very Conan very silly and very funny.
He promised not to waste time but then launched into a musical number about not wasting time complete with dancing Deadpools and the sandworm from "Dune: Part Two" playing piano. Classic Conan misdirection! Some folks online felt the James Bond tribute later in the show was maybe a bit too long but hey Conan kept things moving for the most part!
'Anora' and 'Conclave' Take Home Screenplay Gold: Are They Headed for Best Picture Showdown?
The screenplay categories are often seen as a hint of who might take home Best Picture and this year "Anora" and "Conclave" both won big in those categories. Sean Baker won Best Original Screenplay for "Anora" a movie about a sex worker who marries a Russian playboy. He gave a shout-out to the sex worker community in his acceptance speech. Peter Straughan snagged Best Adapted Screenplay for "Conclave" a Vatican-set thriller. He dedicated his win to his daughter in a funny and sweet moment.
Does this mean it's a race between "Anora" and "Conclave" for Best Picture? Maybe! "Anora" is considered a critical favorite but it actually could set a record for lowest box office for a Best Picture winner if it takes the top prize. "Emilia Pérez" which had a whopping 13 nominations was initially seen as a frontrunner but faced some controversies recently and might have lost momentum. Keep an eye on "Anora" and "Conclave" for the big prize!
Kieran Culkin Wins Best Supporting Actor in Charming and Profane Speech (Bleeped for TV!)
Kieran Culkin finally took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain". He plays a troubled guy on a family trip to Poland with his cousin. His acceptance speech started off pretty profane getting bleeped right away by ABC. But then he turned super charming and thanked his co-star Jesse Eisenberg who also wrote and directed the film. Culkin joked to Eisenberg "You’re a genius — I would never say that to your face I’m never saying it again so soak it up."
He ended his speech with an adorable and funny shout-out to his wife Jazz Charton. He told a story about asking her for a fourth kid if he won and then said "Let’s get cracking on those kids." It was a sweet and memorable win for Culkin who has been a favorite throughout awards season.
'Flow' Wins Best Animated Feature in Surprise Upset 'Wicked' Costume Designer Makes History
In a bit of a surprise the Oscar for Best Animated Feature went to "Flow" a small Latvian movie about a cat. It beat out big studio films like "The Wild Robot" and "Inside Out 2". This win highlights the growing international representation at the Oscars and shows love for smaller independent films.
'Wicked' Magic and Tearjerking Performances: Ariana Grande Cynthia Erivo Open the Show
The Oscars opened with a tribute to Los Angeles complete with wildfires imagery but quickly shifted to some musical magic. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stars of the upcoming "Wicked" movie kicked off the show with a medley of Oz classics. Grande started with "Over the Rainbow" channeling Dorothy in a sparkling red dress. Erivo then belted out "Home" from "The Wiz" before they joined forces for a powerful rendition of "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked". The crowd loved it and Michelle Yeoh was even seen tearing up in the audience. It was a fantastic way to start the night and get everyone excited for "Wicked" coming to theaters.
Fashion Notes: Timothée Chalamet's Yellow Suit Kylie Jenner's Sparkles and June Squibb Steals the Show at 95!
Of course it wouldn't be the Oscars without some fashion talk. Timothée Chalamet known for his bold red carpet choices did not disappoint. He arrived in a custom butter yellow Givenchy suit designed by Sarah Burton. Conan even joked about his "love that suit You will not get hit on your bike tonight." His girlfriend Kylie Jenner was there too in a sparkly black Miu Miu gown.
But maybe the real fashion star of the night was June Squibb. At 95 years old she looked amazing in a long sequined gown and had a hilarious line about being seen in public with Bill Skarsgard. Proof that style has no age limit!
Key Moments and Winners from the 2025 Oscars:
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker - "Anora"
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan - "Conclave"
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin - "A Real Pain"
- Best Animated Feature: "Flow"
- Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell - "Wicked" (first Black man to win in this category)
- Opening Performance: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo perform a 'Wicked' medley
- Host: Conan O'Brien (inaugural hosting gig with a loopy and funny monologue)
Oscars 2025: A Night of Surprises Laughs and a Hint at the Best Picture Race to Come
The 2025 Oscars were definitely a memorable night. Conan O'Brien proved to be a fun and unconventional host "Anora" and "Conclave" emerged as screenplay winners Kieran Culkin charmed everyone with his speech and "Wicked" brought the musical magic. While the Best Picture race is still up in the air the screenplay wins hint at a possible showdown between "Anora" and "Conclave". One thing is for sure the 97th Academy Awards had something for everyone from laughs to surprises to some truly touching moments. Until next year Hollywood!