Oscars 2025 recap: Biggest moments from the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards took place Sunday night.

ByHayley FitzPatrick, Carson Blackwelder, Angeline Jane Bernabe, and Mason Leib

Last Updated: March 2, 2025, 11:05 PM EST

The 2025 Oscars honored the best in cinema from the past year Sunday night.

The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, ended with "Anora" taking home the coveted trophy for best picture.

Oscars 2025: Complete winners list

"Anora" was the top film of the night, taking home five Oscars including best director for Sean Baker.

The top acting prizes went to Adrien Brody, who won best actor for "The Brutalist," and Mikey Madison, who won best actress for "Anora." Winning in the supporting categories were "Emilia Pérez" star Zoe Saldaña and "A Real Pain" star Kieran Culkin.

Heading into the ceremony, "Emilia Pérez" led the field of nominees with 13 total Oscar nominations. It ended the night with two trophies.

Oscars red carpet 2025: See what stars wore for Hollywood's biggest night

This year's show honored the city of Los Angeles in the wake of the wildfires that left at least 29 dead and destroyed thousands of homes earlier this year, bringing firefighters onto the Oscars stage and hosting a charitable component to raise money for fire victims.

The Oscars ceremony aired live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu for the first time.

Scroll down for a recap of the 2025 Oscars.

Key moments:

Mar 02, 2025, 10:46 PM EST
'Anora' wins best picture Oscar
Mar 02, 2025, 10:42 PM EST
Mikey Madison wins best actress Oscar
Mar 02, 2025, 10:30 PM EST
Sean Baker wins best director Oscar for 'Anora'
Mar 02, 2025, 10:22 PM EST
Adrien Brody wins best actor Oscar

Here's how the night unfolded. All times Eastern.

Mar 02, 2025, 5:46 PM EST

Oscars host Conan O'Brien and wife Liza hit the red carpet

Conan O'Brien hit the Oscars red carpet with his wife Liza Powel O'Brien by his side.

Conan O'Brien and Liza Powel O'Brien attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre, Mar. 02, 2025, in Hollywood, Calif.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images

This year marks the comedian's first time hosting the Oscars.

"I'm excited because I grew up watching the Oscars," O'Brien told "GMA" in an interview that aired Feb. 26. "I dreamed of, like, being a seat filler at the Oscars. I never thought, 'Oh, I'll host the Oscars.' I always kept my dreams very attainable."

O'Brien and his wife married in 2002. They share two children.

Mar 02, 2025, 5:44 PM EST

Whoopi Goldberg stuns on Oscars red carpet

Whoopi Goldberg turned heads on the 2025 Oscars red carpet with an eye-catching gown.

Whoopi Goldberg attends the 97th Annual Oscars on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, Calif.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Goldberg, who co-hosts "The View," is attending the 97th Academy Awards as a presenter.

Thirty-four years ago this month, Goldberg won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the 1990 film "Ghost," which also starred Demi Moore and the late Patrick Swayze.

Mar 02, 2025, 5:45 PM EST

Cynthia Erivo hits the red carpet ahead of 2025 Oscars performance

Cynthia Erivo arrived on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards wearing a deep emerald velvet gown.

Erivo is nominated for best actress for her role as Elphaba in the hit film "Wicked."

Cynthia Erivo attends the 97th Annual Oscars , March 2, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images

"Wicked" is up for 10 total awards tonight including best picture.

Erivo is slated to perform during the show. When asked on the carpet what viewers can expect from her performance, Erivo told ABC News, "When you see it, you will know."

Mar 02, 2025, 5:27 PM EST