The Dolby Theatre was alive with glamour, emotion, and unforgettable moments at the 97th Academy Awards. From groundbreaking wins to historic firsts, this year’s Oscars celebrated both the artistry and the sheer spectacle of filmmaking. Here’s a countdown of the 10 most memorable moments from Hollywood’s biggest night, starting at 10 and building to the moment everyone will be talking about.
10. Conan O’Brien Makes His Oscars Debut with a Show-Stopping Opening
Conan O’Brien took the Oscar stage for the first time, blending his signature humor with a genuine love for cinema. He opened with a pre-taped sketch nodding to The Substance, poking fun at everything from Netflix price hikes to the LA wildfires. The night kicked off musically with Ariana Grande performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, Cynthia Erivo delivering a soulful “Home” from The Wiz, and the duo joining forces for a soaring “Defying Gravity.” It was a bold, energetic start that set the tone for a ceremony that balanced spectacle with heartfelt moments.
9. Blockbusters Take Center Stage
This year’s Oscars proved that blockbuster films still have a place on the golden stage. Wicked and Dune: Part Two racked up nominations and wins, showing that box office hits can earn critical acclaim, too. Wicked alone grossed $472.8 million, accounting for more than half the combined earnings of all Best Picture nominees, while Dune: Part Two and Inside Out 2 dominated technical and animated categories. Hollywood’s big-budget dreams were celebrated alongside indie artistry, reminding viewers that commercial success and Oscar recognition aren’t mutually exclusive.
8. Dune: Part Two Rules the Technical Awards
Though it didn’t take home Best Picture, Denis Villeneuve’s epic claimed victory in the technical categories, winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer were recognized for their meticulous work, delivering immersive visuals and a rich soundscape that transported audiences straight to Arrakis. Dune: Part Two proved that sci-fi world-building still earns its place among the Academy’s finest achievements.
7. Latvia’s Flow Wins Best Animated Feature
In a historic moment for international animation, Latvia’s Flow became the first film from the country to win Best Animated Feature. Beating out contenders like Inside Out 2 and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the victory highlighted the global reach of animation and the Academy’s expanding recognition of diverse storytelling voices.
6. Paul Tazewell Makes History in Costume Design
Wicked’s vibrant wardrobes weren’t just a feast for the eyes; they made history. Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design, a milestone celebrated both onstage and across social media. His designs brought the Emerald City to life with dazzling detail, proving that representation behind the scenes is just as important as it is in front of the camera.
5. Zoe Saldaña’s Trailblazing Supporting Actress Win
Zoe Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez earned her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, making her the first American of Dominican descent to win in this category. Her triumph was celebrated as a powerful step forward for Latinx representation in Hollywood, cementing her status as both a versatile performer and a cultural trailblazer.
4. Adrien Brody Becomes the First to Win Two Best Actor Oscars
Adrien Brody, already known as the youngest-ever Best Actor winner for The Pianist, made history again by winning for The Brutalist. Brody is now the first actor to take home two Best Actor Oscars, showcasing a career marked by depth, intensity, and an uncanny ability to bring complex characters to life.
3. Sean Baker Sweeps Four Oscars for Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora made history by winning four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Baker’s acceptance speech was a heartfelt plea to preserve the theatrical experience, reminding filmmakers and audiences alike of the magic of watching movies together on the big screen. His sweep was a testament to both his creative vision and the enduring power of cinema.
2. A Night of Diversity and Global Recognition
The 97th Oscars weren’t just about Hollywood; they celebrated stories from around the world. Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature, while the documentary No Other Land, a collaboration between Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, took home Best Documentary Feature. Along with the first Latvian animated feature winning and recognition for filmmakers from Iran, the ceremony reinforced the global and inclusive vision of modern cinema.
1. Anora Dominates Best Picture and Honors the Theater Experience
The night’s defining moment was Anora sweeping Best Picture, alongside Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win. Baker’s impassioned speech celebrated the communal experience of moviegoing: “Watching a film in a theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, or perhaps sit in devastated silence together. In a time where the world can feel divided, this is more important than ever.” Anora reminded audiences why we fall in love with cinema; it’s not just about the film, it’s about sharing it.
From historic wins to global storytelling, the 97th Academy Awards delivered unforgettable moments that honored both artistry and the communal joy of cinema. It was a night that celebrated innovation, diversity, and the timeless magic of movies.