The 97th Academy Awards unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, with Conan O’Brien making his debut as host.

The evening was filled with memorable moments, from emotional acceptance speeches to unexpected wins, making it a night to remember in Hollywood.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights that defined Hollywood’s biggest night.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s opening performance:

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo keep serving Wicked magic, and we’re here for it. The Wicked stars kicked off the evening with an enchanting performance that brought the magic of the Wizard of Oz story to the Oscars stage in more ways than one. Grande kicked things off with a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from A Wizard of Oz, Erivo joined with a performance of “Home” from The Wiz, and finally, the two stars closed it off with a performance of the hit duet from Wicked, “Defying Gravity”.

They also channelled the magic with their outfits. Grande wore a captivating custom Schiaparelli gown. The shoe attached to the back of the gown and the shade of the dress were references to Dorothy’s iconic red slippers in the original Wizard of Oz story. Erivo wore an equally stunning look from Vivienne Westwood. Originally a bridal gown from the 1997 collection, this gown was a beautiful nod to her character in Wicked. Erivo and Grande’s commitment to keep giving us the magic of their film is one of the things that make their star power undeniable.

Paul Tazewell makes history:

Delivering more Wicked magic, Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. And it wouldn’t have been a magical Wicked moment without a memorable fashion moment within an already memorable moment. Paul Tazewell’s award was presented to him by another Wicked star, Bowen Yang, who changed into his Wicked costume to present this award. This made the whole moment a magical full circle moment. Wicked is just the gift that keeps on giving!

No Other Land Wins Best Documentary:

Told through the lens of a Palestinian activist, Basel Adra, and Israeli journalist, Yuval Abraham, No Other Land tells the story of the West Bank Masafer Yatta community. In the acceptance, Adra mentioned that the documentary reflects the experiences of the community: “No Other Land reflects the harsh reality we have been enduring for decades and still resist”.

He also reflected on how being a father impacted him as well. “About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter is that she will not live the same life I’m living now,” he said. This documentary and its win highlight the importance of creating and sharing stories like the one told in No Other Land, despite how hard it might be.

Zoe Saldaña Wins First Oscar:

Zoe Saldaña won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Calling out to her mom in her emotional acceptance speech was such a sweet moment. This win also completes her award sweep this award season, adding to a collection of awards that includes her first Golden Globe, her Critics Choice Award, and more.

Anora Wins Big:

Directed by Sean Baker, this feature film was the star of the evening. Anora scooped up a total of 5 awards. The film took home awards for Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, who shared how incredible it felt for her to be there: “This is a dream come true,” she said.

As the curtains closed on the 2025 Oscars, the night left behind more than just awards. It celebrated the power of storytelling both on-screen and on the red carpet. From groundbreaking wins to heartfelt speeches, this year’s ceremony proved that the magic of stories is unforgettable.