The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Unexpected Wins, Emotional Speeches, and a Call for More Babies
The Oscars, a perennial source of unforgettable moments that often rival the cinematic masterpieces they celebrate, delivered another night of surprises, emotions, and outright oddities. While the 97th Academy Awards avoided any catastrophic blunders like the infamous "La La Land" mix-up or shocking incidents akin to "The Slap," it certainly wasn’t short on talking points. The unexpected success of the indie darling "Anora," an unusually lengthy and politically charged speech from Adrien Brody, and Kieran Culkin’s very public procreation proposition all contributed to a memorable evening. For those who missed the three-and-a-half-hour spectacle, here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the sometimes bewildering moments from Hollywood’s grandest night.
A Broadway-Caliber Opening
The show kicked off with an explosion of Broadway energy, anchored by Ariana Grande’s stunning rendition of "Over the Rainbow." Grande’s performance, a heartfelt tribute to Judy Garland’s iconic portrayal in "The Wizard of Oz," was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the star-studded audience. The momentum continued as her "Wicked" co-star, Cynthia Erivo, took the stage to deliver a powerful version of "Home" from "The Wiz." The opening act culminated in a dazzling duet by Grande and Erivo on "Defying Gravity," the soaring anthem from their best picture-nominated film. Rarely has the Oscars’ opening sequence been so captivating and universally praised, setting a high bar for the rest of the evening.
Brody’s Brutalist Acceptance
Adrien Brody’s surprise win for best actor for his role in "The Brutalist," a film clocking in at a hefty three and a half hours, was met with visible shock, both from Brody himself and the audience. However, the length of the film was almost eclipsed by the length of Brody’s acceptance speech. Seemingly determined to make the most of his moment, Brody repeatedly ignored the subtle hints from the orchestra to wrap things up, even going so far as to assert, "I’ve done this before," a nod to his previous best actor win for "The Pianist" in 2003.
Beyond the length, the content of Brody’s speech also stood out. Towards the end of his five-minute address, he made a pointed reference to the current global political climate, stating, "I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and of othering." He concluded with a somber warning: "If the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked." The speech, while heartfelt and clearly important to Brody, added an unexpected layer of political commentary to an already emotionally charged evening.
Culkin’s Call for Calamity (and More Kids)
Kieran Culkin, fresh off his Emmy win for "Succession," took home the Oscar for best supporting actor for his performance in "A Real Pain." But the real highlight of his acceptance speech came when he turned his attention to his wife, Jazz Charton. The couple, already parents to daughter Kinsey Sioux and son Wilder Wolf, were apparently operating under a pre-existing agreement: a third child if Culkin won an Emmy. However, Culkin, harboring dreams of a larger family, revealed that Jazz had upped the ante: a fourth child would be on the table if he won an Oscar.
Holding aloft his newly won statuette, Culkin addressed Jazz with a mischievous grin, saying, "Love of my life, ye of little faith," before adding, "No pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again, and let’s get cracking on those kids." The lighthearted and unexpected proposal injected a dose of humor and personal charm into the proceedings, and it provided one of the most memorable moments of the night. The internet, predictably, exploded with reactions, ranging from amusement to mild concern for Jazz’s well-being.
Bond, Bafflement, and Broccoli’s Bye-Bye
The tribute to the James Bond franchise, featuring a medley of iconic theme songs performed by Lisa of Blackpink ("Live and Let Die"), Doja Cat ("Diamonds Are Forever"), and Raye ("Skyfall"), was met with a mixed reception. While the performances themselves were generally well-received, the overall concept and execution left many viewers scratching their heads. The inclusion of Margaret Qualley, from the film "The Substance," silently portraying a dancing Bond girl further added to the confusion.
The purpose behind this seemingly random and somewhat campy interlude was to mark the end of an era for Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. With Amazon now owning the rights to the franchise, a new chapter is about to begin for the iconic superspy. The tribute, while perhaps not universally understood or appreciated, served as a farewell to the long-standing producers who have guided the Bond series for decades.
Saldaña’s Sweet Success
Zoe Saldaña’s win for best supporting actress for her role in "Emilia Pérez" capped off a remarkable awards season sweep for the actress. Overcome with emotion, Saldaña dedicated her win to her ancestors, who emigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic more than 60 years ago.
"I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish − my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted." Saldaña’s heartfelt and inspiring speech served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring impact of immigrant stories.
Farewell to Hackman
The in memoriam segment, as always, served as a poignant reminder of the talents lost in the past year. This year, the segment was particularly moving due to the recent passing of Gene Hackman. Morgan Freeman, Hackman’s friend and co-star in "Unforgiven" and "Under Suspicion," delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor.
"He was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone’s work," Freeman said. "He received two Oscars, but more importantly won hearts of film lovers all over the world." Freeman shared a quote from Hackman: "I don’t think about legacy, but I hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work." Freeman concluded, "Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend."
"Anora’s" Astonishing Ascendancy
The biggest surprise of the night was undoubtedly the success of "Anora," Sean Baker’s $6 million indie film. After being shut out at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the film defied expectations and emerged as the night’s big winner. The film snagged not only the coveted best picture award but also best director and best editing for Baker.
Baker, clearly overwhelmed by the film’s success, used his time at the microphone to champion the importance of seeing movies in theaters. "We can laugh together, cry together, and, in a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever," he said. The film’s Cinderella-esque story, a fairy tale love story between a New York sex worker and a Russian oligarch’s son, resonated with voters, making Oscar night a Cinderella moment for its star, Mikey Madison, who looked stunned as she accepted the best actress Oscar, upsetting Demi Moore, who many thought might win her first Oscar for “The Substance.”
"This is a dream come true," Madison said, visibly overwhelmed. "I’m probably going to wake up tomorrow."
The 97th Academy Awards offered a mix of expected glamour and unexpected surprises. From a show-stopping opening to a controversial speech and a public baby announcement, the night provided plenty of fodder for discussion and debate. While the awards themselves are the primary focus, it’s often the unscripted moments that linger longest in the memory, solidifying the Oscars’ place as a cultural phenomenon.
