Oscars 2025: Hits and Misses

Anora dominates the night

This year’s Oscars belonged to Anora, the gripping tale of a sex worker entangled with a former client and powerful Russian oligarchs. Sean Baker, long celebrated for indie gems like Tangerine and The Florida Project, finally had his moment on the grandest stage, winning Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Director. But the crowning moment was Anora’s Best Picture win—Baker’s fourth Oscar of the night, a feat matched only by Walt Disney. The Academy, ever unpredictable, embraced Anora’s raw and unsettling narrative, a testament to cinema’s power to highlight lives lived on the margins.

Conan O’Brien’s ‘Time Song’: A time-wasting moment

Host Conan O’Brien took a jab at the notorious length of the Oscars broadcast with a made-up song called ‘I Won’t Waste Time.’ However, like many attempts at clever humour, the punchline missed the mark, getting lost in its own irony. It felt like an exercise in self-gratification and his attempt to make a joke fell short and made us yawn. It neither lightened the atmosphere nor justified its presence. Instead, it was just another unnecessary minute added to an already lengthy show.

James Bond tribute: What were they

thinking?

In a year when the original songs nominated were not performed—unlike previous years (‘I’m Just Ken, ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, (‘Shallow’ from A Star is Born) - the Oscars took an unexpected turn. They paid a tribute to James Bond which felt out of place.

Margaret Qualley (The Substance), standing at the center, led a group of dancers through a visually stunning sequence that, unfortunately, felt disconnected from the sleek, high-stakes world of Bond. The three musical acts—Lisa of BLACKPINK, Doja Cat, and Raye—sang iconic Bond themes, but the performance lingered a bit too long, as if trying to forge a deeper connection that never existed to begin with. Honestly, next time, just bring in Adele. She won an Oscar for ‘Skyfall’, and gave an unforgettable performance in the year 2013.

The only powerful performance was the jaw-dropping medley by Ariane Grande and Cynthia Erivo, including songs such as ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Defying Gravity’. It wasn’t just an ode to Wicked, but also a spectacular tribute to The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz.

However, another major blunder came with the Quincy Jones tribute. We love Oscar nominee Queen Latifah, but the segment was so short and lacklustre—given Jones’ body of work—that it felt more like a miss than a hit. It should have been allotted more time and featured some of his most memorable songs. You can’t take a song sung by Diana Ross and just expect it to be the all-encompassing Quincy Jones tribute. The idea of a tribute was a good one but its execution fell apart far too quickly.

There was only one real surprise, but

perhaps not the best

As the night progressed, it became clear that the Oscars has a knack for infusing even the most expected moments with an unexpected twist. Out of the ten Best Picture nominees, eight walked away with awards, leaving only A Complete Unknown and Nickel Boys to ponder the sting of emptiness. Yet, amid the predictable outcomes, one surprise left the audience in shock. Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, and Adrien Brody, all seasoned actors, claimed their awards with the confidence of frontrunners who had long been anticipated to win.

But then, Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award for Anora, edging out the heavily favoured Demi Moore, whose strong campaign for The Substance had led many to believe she was the inevitable winner. This outcome was unexpected—Demi was the clear frontrunner and arguably more deserving—but Mikey’s victory highlighted an unspoken truth: ageism and a complete disregard for the horror genre. As acceptance speeches filled the air and the weight of achievement settled in, the evening’s conversations, while genuine and heartfelt, seldom ventured into political territory, instead allowing for a more profound exploration of the craft itself and the unvoiced power of stories yearning to be shared.

‘No Other Land’

co-directors call for national rights for Palestinians

At the Oscars, a moment of profound silence was pierced by a call to action—one that carried the weight of history and the spirit of resistance. No Other Land, a film that depicts the heartbreaking destruction of Palestinian towns in the southern West Bank, found its voice on the grandest stage of cinema. This film served as both a reflection of the past and a stark portrayal of ongoing human rights violations. Yet, despite its powerful impact, No Other Land struggled to find an audience in the United States, as its creators—a group of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers—continued to self-distribute it to only a few theatres, facing significant challenges. On the Oscar stage, these filmmakers seized the opportunity not only to shed light on the devastation depicted in their film but also to condemn the complicity of global powers. With eloquence and urgency, they reminded us that art, at its best, can transcend borders, confront uncomfortable truths, and demand accountability.

The Emilia Pérez saga

Emilia Pérez was once poised to secure Netflix its first Best Picture win, with an impressive 13 nominations, and a bold storyline about a transperson as a cartel boss navigating the underworld. Yet, the film’s momentum faltered when star Karla Sofía Gascón became embroiled in a scandal over past derogatory comments. What should have been a groundbreaking achievement was overshadowed, shifting Emilia Pérez from frontrunner to cautionary tale.

Furthermore, when Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress, it was both predictable and followed a predicament that has been chasing the film since its released. Why was this film set in Mexico? The answer was made clear by Zoe Saldana as she spoke to journalists in a post-Oscar moment. When a Mexican journalist asked her why the film was set in Mexico, she noted that the story was universal and could’ve been set anywhere. However, by setting it in Mexico, it showed a one-sided vision of the country where violence was the recurring theme rather than Mexican culture. They didn’t even get its geography right!

Moves like Jagger

The atmosphere was electric as Mick Jagger confidently approached the stage to present the Best Original Song award, leaving the audience in awe.

A standing ovation erupted, honouring not just the man before them but the immense power and musical legacy he embodies. With a playful wink and a cheeky grin, Mick joked that he had taken Bob Dylan’s place. Bob Dylan, a genre-defying legend, when approached for the gig, had “suggested they find someone younger.” While Bob, at 83, may be slowing down, Mick, at 81, remains vibrant and captivating—a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

From Robert Downey

to Kieran Culkin

Kieran Culkin accepted his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain from last year’s winner, Robert Downey Jr (who won for Oppenheimer) and the moment sparkled with charm. After a bleeped F-bomb and a nod to his own chaotic upbringing (“I should thank my mom and Steve for trying to raise me… you gave it your best shot”), he flashed a cheeky grin at his wife, Jazz, which was quite sweet.

A rare moment of

acknowledgement

This year, the Oscars brought a refreshing change, as if the ceremony had finally chosen to move beyond the usual platitudes. Robert Downey Jr., in a rare moment of vulnerability, spoke with a sincerity that pierced through Hollywood’s glitzy facade. His remarks about Jeremy Strong and the other nominees were a welcome change, reminding us of the individuals behind the fame. This recognition extended beyond just actors, honouring costume designers and cinematographers—the often-overlooked creators who shape the cinematic experience.

In Memoriam

The Oscars’ “In Memoriam” segment has always been a heartfelt moment, echoing through the audience as we bid farewell to those who have shaped the stories we cherish. This year, the legendary Morgan Freeman took the stage to honour his dear friend and co-star Gene Hackman. Freeman’s voice, steady yet filled with emotion, conveyed the weight of loss as he reflected on Hackman’s wish to be remembered for his dedication to his craft: “Gene, you’ll be remembered for that… and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Yet, amidst the elegance of this tribute, a notable omission lingered. The exclusion of actors like Shannen Doherty and Michelle Trachtenberg—whose untimely deaths at 53 and 39 left a noticeable void— was glaring. While neither may have been traditional cinema icons, both left lasting marks on television. Doherty, known for her role as ‘Prue Halliwell’ in Charmed, and Trachtenberg, who portrayed ‘Dawn Summers’ in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, were significant figures. Their absence from the segment felt like a missed opportunity to honour a generation that found comfort and connection in their performances.

Adrien Brody’s

lengthy, extremely lengthy speech

Let’s be honest – we get it, passion is important, but sharing your feelings is a tricky balance that can easily tip into overstaying your welcome. A six-minute speech? Really? Even cinematic legends like Joaquin Phoenix, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and Cate Blanchett—names that resonate worldwide—don’t stretch their moments in the limelight that long. And while we’re on the subject, a bit of etiquette wouldn’t go amiss. How about a tissue for your gum? Tossing it to your partner as you head to the stage isn’t the best look. Just a suggestion.

The verdict

Despite everything, the evening still had its share of sweet and genuine moments that elevated it beyond simple self-indulgence. Andrew Garfield’s heartfelt admiration for Goldie Hawn, sharing how much his mom adored her, felt like a reminder that there’s something deeply human beneath all the glamour. While the night may have felt lengthy, these moments of true gratitude made it easier to overlook the excess.