2025 Oscars Best Moments: History-Making Wins, Emotional Speeches & Calls To Save Traditional Cinema

The 2025 Oscars showcased a night filled with unforgettable moments for film enthusiasts. From groundbreaking victories to emotional speeches, as well as a humorous call to preserve movie theaters, it was a remarkable event for all cinema lovers. This article highlights some of the most memorable moments from the 97th Academy Awards.

1. Paul Tazewell Makes History in Costume Design

Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design. His win brought enthusiastic applause from the audience. Known for his exceptional work in West Side Story and Hamilton, Tazewell's achievement is a testament to his extraordinary talent in the field.

2. A Powerful Message From ‘No Other Land’

The documentary No Other Land delivered one of the most poignant moments of the night with a speech from Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. They addressed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on the struggles faced in Gaza and the West Bank. Their heartfelt message resonated deeply with the audience.

3. Colman Domingo Is Always A Mood

Colman Domingo brought energy to the Oscars, encouraging the audience to enjoy a dance break during a commercial break. His infectious spirit made the ceremony even more enjoyable.

4. Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Acceptance Speech

Zoe Saldaña received her first Oscar and shared a touching acceptance speech, dedicating her win to her family. She expressed gratitude to her mother and highlighted the strength of women in her role as Rita. Saldaña also honored her immigrant background, making her win particularly special.

5. Sean Baker’s Record-Breaking Night

Director Sean Baker had a historic night, tying Walt Disney’s record by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture for Anora. His triumph signifies a breakthrough for independent filmmakers at the Oscars.

6. Kieran Culkin’s Hilarious & (Mostly) Bleeped Speech

Kieran Culkin, known for his role in Succession, took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. His speech offered a mix of humor and personal anecdotes, including a light-hearted comment about expanding his family.

7. Animation Surprises: ‘Flow’ & ‘In the Shadow of the Cypress’

The Best Animated Feature category witnessed an upset with the win of Flow, a unique Latvian film. Additionally, the Iranian short film In the Shadow of the Cypress took home an award, showcasing the resilience of its creators who faced visa challenges.

8. The Fight to Keep Movie Theaters Alive

Two notable moments emphasized the importance of supporting movie theaters. A comedic advertisement featuring Conan O’Brien humorously promoted the concept of movie theaters, while Sean Baker delivered a heartfelt message during his acceptance speech, urging everyone to advocate for the survival of cinemas.

9. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande’s Oscars Performance

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande impressed the audience with a stunning musical performance of classic songs, creating one of the standout moments of the night.

10. This Awkward Moment Between Oprah & Whoopi Goldberg

Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg introduced a tribute to Quincy Jones, which included a performance by Queen Latifah. Their interaction sparked amusing comments online, highlighting the event's lighter moments.

The 2025 Oscars provided numerous highlights for film fans, filled with emotional speeches, groundbreaking wins, and a reminder of the importance of the moviegoing experience. Which moment resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Oscars, Wins, Speeches, Cinema, Awards