The 2025 Oscars got off to a high note with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's breathtaking performance. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences honored their picks in film, from actors to directors, costume design, and the Best Picture winner. But did the entire evening live up to its full potential for viewers?
Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo’s Performance: Best
Ariana and Cynthia's gravity-defying duet brought everyone inside the Dolby Theatre and viewers watching from home to tears. Ariana started off the awards ceremony with a performance of Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" before Cynthia took over to sing "Home." The two powerhouse singers then reunited on stage to sing "Defying Gravity."
Aside from their epic performance, Ariana and Cynthia's wardrobe also slayed. The pop star and Best Supporting Actress nominee changed out of her red carpet look into a sparkling ruby red gown. As for Cynthia, the Best Actress in a Leading Role nominee graced the stage in a white ball gown that was accented with floral arrangements, exuding fairytale vibes.
Hulu’s Live Stream Gets Cut: Worst
The live stream abruptly cut off right when it was about to announce who won in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category. Social media quickly blew up at the upset, with many Hulu users threatening to cancel their subscriptions as a result of the snafu.
Mikey Madison’s Best Actress Win: Best
Mikey Madison graciously accepted the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Anora instead of the highly anticipated winner, Demi Moore, for her performance in The Substance. Mikey sweetly pointed to her fellow nominees in the audience and made sure to thank everyone in her inner circle.
Demi Moore’s Smile at Mikey Madison: Best
Cameras caught the moment when Demi looked up at Mikey during her acceptance speech to smile at her, despite internet speculation over her reaction.
Adrien Brody’s ‘Cut the Music’ Moment: Worst
Although Adrien Brody's speech was powerful, some fans didn't appreciate his demand for the Oscars crew not to cut him off. After accepting the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Adrien discussed his responsibility in representing the "lingering traumas, and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression, and of anti-semitism, and racism," referring to his role in The Brutalist. He concluded by saying, "I will be brief, I will not be egregious I promise." Multiple outlets reported that Adrien's Oscars speech was more than 5 minutes long, which broke a record.