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Life + Culture

Oscar Awards 2025: Six Moments That Had Us Screaming, 'WHAT?!'

Bond-inspired bangers to mid-show dance breaks, the 2025 Oscar Awards served a fun mix of everything. If the next year is anything like this, we’re so tuning in!

| Ekta Sinha
lisa perfomance
Doja Cat, Lisa and Raye on stage at the Academy Awards (Via Getty)

The 2025 Oscars? Absolute chaos in the best way possible. From Lisa serving Bond villain energy to Colman Domingo turning the Dolby Theatre into a dance floor, this year’s show was anything but predictable. Halle Berry and Adrien Brody took us on a nostalgia trip, Ariana and Cynthia had us levitating (Wicked pun intended), and Adam Sandler… well, he just existed, and that was enough to send the internet into a frenzy.

Let’s break down the most chef’s kiss moments from the night!

1. Lisa, Doja Cat And Raye’s James Bond Tribute Took Over the Night

The Academy said, “Forget Best Original Song—let’s give them the moment.” Lisa opened the tribute with a high-energy, choreo-packed Live and Let Die, setting the tone. Doja Cat then strutted onto the stage in a diamond-dripping gown to deliver Diamonds Are Forever (because, of course). Finally, Raye owned the night with a powerhouse rendition of Skyfall that made Adele proud. And let’s not forget Margaret Qualley’s surprise dance cameo—pure cinema.

2. Halle Berry And Adrien Brody’s Red Carpet Déjà Vu

History repeated itself as Adrien Brody and Halle Berry revisited their infamous 2003 Oscars kiss, proving that some things never get less chaotic. The internet lost it, the cameras caught everyone gasping, and honestly, we’re still recovering.

3. Colman Domingo Turned the Oscars Into a Club

During a commercial break, Colman Domingo decided the audience needed a vibe shift and got everyone dancing. Yes, this was the same Oscars that used to be criticized for being too stiff. Maybe they should make this a tradition?

4. Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo Had Us Defying Gravity

If anyone could bring Broadway magic to the Oscars, it’s the Wicked duo. Ariana and Cynthia’s performance of Defying Gravity was goosebump material. Add in the staging, the vocals, and the full-body chills? A moment we were holding space for. (IYKYK)

5. Adam Sandler’s Oscars Energy

Adam Sandler didn’t win an Oscar, but his presence alone sent Film Twitter into a frenzy. Every time the camera panned to him, the memes started rolling in. Maybe next year, King.

6. Conan O’Brien’s Roasts Sure Had the Audience Entertained 

Making his Oscars hosting debut, Conan came for everyone. He even joked about Anora breaking the record for most F-bombs in a film, quipping, “Which also matches the number of F-bombs Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist dropped when they saw her tweets.” Ruthless. P.S. His Hindi greeting deserves an Oscar on its own.

 

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