The last two months have given us an Oscar season like no other—so, it’s only right that the 97th Academy Awards match that (frankly extreme) level of drama. Going into Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, tensions and anxieties seemed to be at an all-time high: what would become of the acting and best-picture races that still felt too close to call? How would producers balance the need for a fast-paced, entertaining ceremony with honouring those who were on the frontlines of the devastating LA wildfires, and striking an appropriately somber note, too? And how on earth would the show deal with the presence of Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón, whose best-actress campaign imploded in the midst of a shocking scandal, but who will now be returning to the spotlight after a strategic pause? From the viral red-carpet outings and showstopping musical performances to the most emotional speeches and jaw-dropping twists, these are all the moments you might have missed from the 2025 Oscars (so far).
Kieran Culkin got real about family planning with his wife Jazz (again)
While accepting his Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in A Real Pain on Sunday night, Kieran Culkin referenced a previous tribute to his wife, Jazz Charton, and their (growing) family that he’d made at the 2024 Emmys, saying: “I want to tell a really quick story about Jazz. About a year ago I was on a stage like this and I very stupidly, publicly said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award, she would give me the kid. It turns out she said that because she didn’t think I was gonna win, but then people came up to her and were like, you know, really annoying her. I think it got to her, but anyway.
“After the show we’re walking through a parking lot, she’s holding the Emmy, we’re trying to find a car, and she goes, ‘Oh, God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid,’ and I turned to her and I said, ‘Really, I want four.’ And she turned to me, I swear to God this happened, it was just over a year ago, she said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar.’ I held my hand out, she shook it, and I have not brought it up once until just now. You remember that, honey? You do? Then I just have this to say to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith. No pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. And let’s get cracking on those kids. What do you say? I love you!”
Aww. Also…wow, I now know a lot about their parenthood journey!
Halle Berry playfully recreated that wild 2003 kiss with Adrien Brody on the red carpet
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Was it, uh, weird when Brody kissed Berry onstage at the 2003 Academy Awards? Absolutely. Was it funny for Berry to reference the moment while greeting Brody on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars? Objectively, yes.
Sequins reigned supreme
From the more subtle embellishments on Ariana Grande’s Glinda-inspired tulle (not to mention her body glitter) and Zoe Saldaña’s strapless Saint Laurent, to Rachel Sennott’s all-out, Barbie-pink ball gown, Lupita Nyong’o in pearl-encrusted white, Selena Gomez and Emma Stone dripping with crystals, Joe Locke’s embellished waistcoat, Cynthia Erivo’s incredible nails, Coralie Fargeat’s shimmering black frock, Mindy Kaling’s silver floor-skimmer and Wicked star Marissa Bode’s red-hot number, A-listers dazzled on the step and repeat.
aaaAAAaaaAAaaaAhahh! 💚
Cynthia Erivo has arrived on the #Oscars red carpet wearing custom Louis Vuitton and donning her most stunning accessory: nails.
More red carpet looks: https://t.co/EMsOIXeRCF pic.twitter.com/gqtmpQsjfL
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 2, 2025
Women over 50 didn’t hold back
Fernanda Torres shimmied in her feathered showstopper, Whoopi Goldberg showed up in retina-searing electric blue, and Demi Moore shut down the red carpet in a silver, sculpted stunner. While many younger starlets (Elle Fanning, Blackpink’s Lisa, Margaret Qualley et al) underplayed it with more classic looks, their more experienced colleagues, thankfully, did the opposite.
It’s a #Ghost reunion! Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg pose for photos together on the carpet at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/hriJ0yJLNS
— Variety (@Variety) March 2, 2025
Ghost co-stars Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg also had a very sweet reunion.
Timothée Chalamet went full pastel-hued Willy Wonka—as only he can
Timothée Chalamet channels his inner Laffy Taffy on the carpet at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/EUk1kWYZJ3
— Variety (@Variety) March 2, 2025
In a sea of dark suits, you could spot the best-actor nominee a mile off in his lemon-colored ensemble.
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
