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The 97th annual Academy Awards have been dubbed the most boring in history as viewers slammed major upsets in key categories while criticizing the lame jokes and steady stream of half-hearted Trump rants.
Anora was the biggest Oscar winner of the night, taking home five awards including Best Picture, Best Leading Actress and Best Director.
The film follows the wild story of a sex worker, played by Mikey Madison, who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, whose family disapproves of the union.
Madison took home Best Actress in one of the biggest upsets of the evening, beating out Demi Moore, who had dominated the category throughout much of awards season for her shocking career turn in horror film The Substance.
Similarly, Timothee Chalamet’s efforts in A Complete Unknown were overlooked in favor of Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist.
The Complete Unknown star’s loss sparked an onslaught of memes claiming he fell victim to the ‘Kardashian curse’ for bringing girlfriend Kylie Jenner as his date.
The film is centered around a prostitute played by Mikey Madison who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, whose family disapproves of the union
Madison took home Best Actress in one of the biggest upsets of the evening, beating out Demi Moore , who had dominated the category throughout much of awards season
The 97th annual Oscars have been dubbed the most boring ever as viewers slam upsets in key categories and criticize the steady stream of half-hearted Trump rants
Similarly, Timothee Chalamet ‘s efforts in A Complete Unknown were overlooked in favor of Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist
Snubs and upsets in the big categories
Mikey Madison, 25, was up against Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofia Gascon, Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore in a stacked category where Moore was heavily favored to win.
Soon after the award was announced, X was flooded with posts furious about Demi’s loss and insisting the veteran actress deserved the statue.
One user said she was ‘robbed’ and another called it the ‘biggest snub in Oscars history.’
Moore had a heartwarming comeback narrative throughout awards season, describing at the Golden Globes how she was considered a ‘popcorn actress’ who would not be in contention for awards season.
Similarly, Timothee Chalamet had made no secret of his desire to win the Oscar for Best Actor during his campaign for Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
He said after winning the SAG award that he was ‘in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats.’
Despite his earnestness and widely celebrated performance, he lost out to Adrien Brody, who took home his second award for The Brutalist.
But…
Anora’s Mikey Madison is a late-breaking best actress co-frontrunner after recent wins and controversy that erupted after offensive tweets from Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced
Moore had a heartwarming comeback narrative throughout awards season, describing at the Golden Globes how she was considered a ‘popcorn actress’ who would not be in contention for awards season
Demi Moore is the other major frontrunner for the satirical body-horror film The Substance. She has won multiple major awards this season
Kardashian curse strikes
Chalamet was warned there were high stakes involved with bringing his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner to his night of nights.
She said it herself in an early episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians: men who date the Kardashians are said to be ‘cursed’ to have a downfall.
‘The Kardashian curse is every male figure that comes and dates a Kardashian. Their life kind of just goes downhill after that,’ Jenner said.
The sisters have previously slammed the theory as ‘super sexist.’
This year’s best lead actor race is up in the air after Timothée Chalamet’s recent SAG win for A Complete Unknown
Chalamet was warned there were high stakes involved with bringing his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner to his night of nights
Woke rants
A longtime staple of Hollywood awards nights, the Oscars served as a political soap box for some of the nominees and hosts, who couldn’t help but rant or joke at the expense of Trump and his administration.
But even the woke jabs weren’t enough to turn the tide on the boring evening, delivered with far less conviction and fanfare than past spectacles and drawing little response from critics or fans.
Oscar winning director Basel Adra was heckled as he delivered an impassioned critique of Trump’s foreign policy relating to the Israel-Palestine crisis during his acceptance speech on stage.
Oscars host Conan O’Brien noticebly steered clear of politics during his opening monologue but couldn’t resist a jab at Trump later in the evening
Adra gripped the Oscar for Best Documentary for his film No Other Land, which captured the plight of Palestinians throughout the ongoing war with Israel.
But as he slammed ‘this administration’s foreign policy’ for blocking the path to peace, a member of the crowd shouted ‘get rid of Hamas,’ according to a Vulture reporter who heard the interaction.
Oscars host Conan O’Brien noticeably steered clear of politics during his opening monologue but couldn’t resist a jab at Trump later in the evening.
He told the audience: ‘Anora is having a good night. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.’
It came after Oscars presenter Daryl Hannah also made an off-script remark about Trump.
As she started out her segment, the actress said ‘Slava Ukraini.’ The phrase translates to ‘Glory to Ukraine.’
It comes following the startling exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office this week, over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Karla Sofia Gascon resurfaces
When Zoe Saldana took to the stage to accept her award for Best Supporting Actress, audiences were waiting with bated breath to see if she’d acknowledge her costar Karla Sofia Gascon in the wake of her controversy.
Gascon all but ruled herself out of contention for her own Oscar win in the Best Leading Actress category after offensive and racially-charged tweets of hers resurfaced during the campaign.
The controversy also ended her film Emilia Perez’ hopes in the main categories, some experts said.
She resurfaced to attend the Oscars but it made for an awkward evening for her colleagues.
Saldana broke down in tears as she pointed out that she is the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar. She shouted out various people, including her mom, dad, sisters, and husband.
And while she thanked her Emilia Perez ‘cast and crew’ as a collective, she failed to mention Karla by name.
Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofia Gascon, 52, looked awkward as she was pictured in the crowd Sunday at the 97th Academy Awards from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Similarly, she and costar Selena Gomez had an awkward reunion in the crowd, briefly stopping to greet each other before going their separate ways.
O’Brien joked that Best picture nominee Anora used ‘the f-word 479 times,’ adding ‘that’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist!’
The host joked as the camera panned on the actress, who did not appear to be amused, adding, ‘Karla, if you are gonna tweet about the Oscars my name is Jimmy Kimmel.’
Hulu ends livestream early
Viewers watching via streaming service Hulu were left disappointed when their stream cut out right before the final award of the night.
The glitch sparked fury online with watchers demanding a year of free service, while others revealed they would cancel their service and demanded a refund.
Some claimed that the broadcast when cut during the crucial moment before best actress was announced.
Boring from start to finish
Despite all the controversy during and leading up to the big night, there was one opinion all the critics had in common: they were bored.
‘That was the most boring Oscars I have ever watched,’ one critic said in a sentiment echoed repeatedly on X.
‘The Oscars are the most boring award show. Only time they were lit was when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock,’ another said.
‘Same old boring Oscars. Too long(almost four hours). Too political(Middle East banter and Putin bulls**t). Too many phony smiles from the losers. Too many phony Hollywood dorks who voted for Harris. BTW, funny how these actors can memorize movie scripts but need notes on stage.’
Despite all the controversy during and leading up to the big night, there was one opinion all the critics had in common: they were bored
A-listers’ poor manners
Fans were buzzing after Edward Norton appeared to swear in response to his Oscars 2025 loss.
The esteemed actor, 55, was in the running for Best Supporting Actor for playing folk legend Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown but was edged out by Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain.
When Kieran’s name was announced, cameras lingered on Edward in the audience, and eagle-eyed social media users were quick to claim they caught him letting out an expletive.
Fans wasted no time reacting to the moment online, with one viewer taking to X, writing, ‘Ed Norton saying f*** and it getting caught on camera is immediately iconic #Oscars2025.’
Later in the night, Adrien Brody was slammed over a ‘disgusting’ act as he won his second Best Actor Oscar.
As the star was walking up the steps to the stage, he turned around, took his gum out of his mouth and threw it to girlfriend and Harvey Weinstein’s ex Georgina Chapman, 48.
Chapman was seen running up to her partner and diligently catching the gum before he made his speech.
Brody was also criticized for the length of his speech.
During his acceptance speech Adrien surpassed his allotted 45seconds for his acceptance speech as he referenced his previous Oscar win.
He said: ‘And I’m wrapping up, please turn the music off. I’ve done this before. Thank you. It’s not my first rodeo, but I will will be brief. I will not be egregious, I promise.
‘I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression. And of anti-semitism and racism and of othering, and I believe that – I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.’
Adrien Brody was slammed over a ‘disgusting’ act as he won his second Best Actor Oscar at the 2025 ceremony on Sunday
However, as the star was walking up the steps to the stage, he turned around, took his gum out of his mouth and threw it to girlfriend and Harvey Weinstein’s ex Georgina Chapman, 48
Kamala Harris will she-won’t she appearance
Kamala Harris was forced to shut down speculation she was set to make a surprise guest appearance at Sunday night’s Oscars with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her ‘watch party’ from home.
The former vice president was named earlier on Sunday as a guest at the 97th annual celebrations, with whispers she was set to lead a segment paying tribute to the Los Angeles firefighters who valiantly fought devastating wildfires in January.
But her husband, Doug, put those rumors to rest just an hour before the ceremony was due to kick off with a post to X captioned: ‘Oscars watch party prep.’
The photo featured a make-up free Harris pouring Doritos into a bowl, with her hair swept back in a bun and wearing a black sweater.
She was all smiles in the photo, which appeared to be taken in the couple’s kitchen.
Hollywood bible Deadline had reported Harris’ supposed presence Sunday afternoon, citing a federal source who said beefed up security at the event was in part due to her appearance.
The photo featured a make-up free Harris pouring Doritos into a bowl, with her hair swept back in a bun and wearing a black sweater. She was all smiles in the photo, which appeared to be taken in the couple’s kitchen
Adam Sandler’s shock walk-out
Adam Sandler and his typically casual attire stormed out of the Oscars after becoming the butt of one of Conan O’Brien’s Oscar monologue jokes.
The 58-year-old comedian has typically never been one to dress up for most awards shows, a fact O’Brien pointed out in a very humorous fashion, causing Sandler to leave, but not before giving Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet a kiss.
‘Conan. What’s up my brother? What’s going on, man?’ Sandler said, before O’Brien chided him and asked, ‘Adam, what are you wearing?’
Sandler responded: ‘I don’t care about what I wear or what I don’t wear. If my snazzy gym shorts and fluffy sweatshirt offend you so much that you had to mock me in front of my peers, I’m going.’
O’Brien apologized as Sandler reiterated that he was leaving, adding, ‘I have to,’ as some in the crowd shouted, ‘No’ to try and get him to stay.
Adam Sandler and his typically casual attire stormed out of the Oscars after becoming the butt of one of Conan O’Brien’s Oscar monologue jokes
The 58-year-old comedian has typically never been one to dress up for most awards shows, a fact O’Brien pointed out in a very humorous fashion, causing Sandler to leave, but not before giving Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet a kiss
Oscar winners 2025 full list – see who received honors for this year’s Academy Awards
Best Picture
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked
Anora was the biggest winner of the night as Mikey Madison earned Best Actress
Best Director
Jacques Audiard — Emilia Pérez
Sean Baker — Anora – WINNER
Brady Corbet — The Brutalist
Coralie Fargeat — The Substance
James Mangold — A Complete Unknown
Actress in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo — Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón — Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison — Anora – WINNER
Demi Moore — The Substance
Fernanda Torres — I’m Still Here
Actor in a Leading Role
Adrien Brody — The Brutalist – WINNER
Timothée Chalamet — A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo — Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes — Conclave
Sebastian Stan — The Apprentice
Actress in a Supporting Role
Monica Barbaro — A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande — Wicked
Felicity Jones — The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini — Conclave
Zoe Saldaña — Emilia Pérez – WINNER
Zoe Saldana was recognized in the Best Supporting Actress category for Emilia Perez
Actor in a Supporting Role
Yura Borisov — Anora
Kieran Culkin — A Real Pain – WINNER
Edward Norton — A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce — The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong — The Apprentice
Animated Feature Film
Flow – WINNER
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot
Cinematography
The Brutalist — Lol Crawley – WINNER
Dune: Part Two — Greig Fraser
Emilia Pérez — Paul Guilhaume
Maria — Ed Lachman
Nosferatu — Jarin Blaschke
Original Screenplay
Anora — Sean Baker – WINNER
The Brutalist — Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
A Real Pain — Jesse Eisenberg
September 5 — Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; co-Written by Alex David
The Substance — Coralie Fargeat
Sean Baker earned three individual honors for Anora in addition to Best Picture
Adapted Screenplay
A Complete Unknown — James Mangold and Jay Cocks
Conclave — Peter Straughan – WINNER
Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius and Nicolas Livecchi
Nickel Boys — RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
Sing Sing — Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield
Achievement in Production Design
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked – Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales – WINNER
Achievement in Sound
A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Dune: Part Two won Best Achievement in Sound as Gareth John, Richard King, and Ron Bartlett are seen left to right
Original Song
El Mal – Emilia Pérez – Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard – WINNER
The Journey – The Six Triple Eight
Like A Bird – Sing Sing
Mi Camino – Emilia Pérez
Never Too Late – Elton John: Never Too Late
Original Score
The Brutalist — Daniel Blumberg – WINNER
Conclave — Volker Bertelmann
Emilia Pérez — Clément Ducol and Camille
Wicked — John Powell and Stephen Schwartz
The Wild Robot — Kris Bowers
Live-Action Short Film
A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not a Robot – WINNER
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Animated Short Film
Beautiful Men
In the Shadow of the Cypress – WINNER
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!
Documentary Feature Film
Black Box Diaries
No Other Land – WINNER
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
Sugarcane
No Other Land took home Documentary Feature Film as Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham are seen left to right
Documentary Short Film
Death by Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra – WINNER
International Feature Film
I’m Still Here (Brazil) – WINNER
The Girl With the Needle (Denmark)
Emilia Pérez (France)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
Flow (Latvia)
Makeup and Hairstyling
A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
The Substance – Pierre Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli – WINNER
Wicked
Achievement in Costume Design
A Complete Unknown — Arianne Phillips
Conclave — Lisy Christl
Gladiator II — Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
Nosferatu — Linda Muir
Wicked — Paul Tazewell – WINNER
Blockbuster Wicked did not come away empty handed as Paul Tazewell became the first Black male winner of Achievement in Costume Design
Achievement in Film Editing
Anora — Sean Baker – WINNER
The Brutalist — David Jancso
Conclave — Nick Emerson
Emilia Pérez — Juliette Welfling
Wicked — Myron Kerstein
Visual Effects
Alien: Romulus
Better Man
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked
