The 2025 Academy Awards made headlines on March 2, 2025, with emotional moments and memorable recognition taking place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, this year’s ceremony promised entertainment and nostalgia, and it did not disappoint. With films like Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, and Wicked leading the nominations, the stakes were high.
Highlighting the ceremony was the attendance of Cillian Murphy, the previous year’s Best Actor winner for Oppenheimer. His decision to skip the red carpet generated buzz, and audiences were eager to see him on stage for the presentation of the Best Actor award. The suspense heightened when Murphy presented the award to Adrien Brody for his performance in The Brutalist, marking Brody's second Oscar win—a noteworthy achievement for the acclaimed actor.
Brody, celebrated for his past significant win for The Pianist back in 2003, received his award with gratitude, sharing touching sentiments with Murphy. The two stars embraced on stage, leaving fans delighted by their reunion. While many hoped for another iconic moment reminiscent of Brody's kiss with Halle Berry years ago, the pair instead shared heartfelt gestures, leading to social media buzzing about their chemistry. "I can’t believe Adrien Brody didn’t kiss Cillian Murphy. That would’ve healed this nation," one Twitter user remarked, highlighting the moment's cultural impact.
During his acceptance speech, Brody drew from his personal experiences, saying, "I feel so fortunate." He continued to convey gratitude for the great support he received throughout his career. "Thank you God, thank you for this blessed life. If I may just humbly begin by giving thanks for the tremendous outpouring of love..." he expressed, eliciting emotional responses from the audience.
The ceremony also highlighted the stunning performances from the evening, including spectacular musical numbers and special tributes, delivering moments of reflection and celebration of the film industry. Emilia Perez opened nominations with 13 nods, generating considerable excitement as the filmmakers awaited the responses from the audience and critics alike.
This year’s Oscars certainly had its share of unique gatherings, like the moment when Halle Berry and Adrien Brody reunited on the red carpet. Their historic on-stage kiss from two decades ago was playfully revisited as Berry unexpectedly planted a kiss on Brody, rekindling nostalgia for those who remembered the pivotal moment from 2003.
While the event was packed with victory and reconnections, it also served as a reminder of the rollercoaster ride within the entertainment industry. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which took home numerous accolades last year and earned almost $1 billion worldwide, showcased the unpredictable nature of cinema. Nolan reflected on the box office success of Oppenheimer, stating, "The truth is, any time a film succeeds... it’s encouraging for filmmakers." His comments resonate with the effort and passion evident at this year’s awards.
This year's nominees included rising stars alongside seasoned actors, emphasizing the shifting dynamics within Hollywood. With Adrien Brody as the only previous Academy Award winner among the nominees, it illustrated how the industry's future is opening up to fresh talent and innovative storytelling, drawing attention to their influential roles.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars were not just about awards; they symbolized celebration, history, and emotional reconnection, making it one of the most memorable events to date. With the year promising myriad more cinematic attractions, the stories retold at the Oscars will undoubtedly resonate long after the final curtain falls. The warm interactions, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and touching encounters on stage brought together fans of cinema worldwide, solidifying the Oscars as not only the pinnacle of artistic recognition but also the hub of cultural exchange.
Fans can look forward to more films from the celebrated directors and actors showcased this year. With Nolan working on his ambitious project, The Odyssey, slated for release next summer, and Murphy's captivating presence at the Oscars, it's evident the future of filmmaking remains bright.
Indeed, the celebration of film continues beyond the Oscars, illustrating the power of storytelling and the impact it has on hearts and minds around the globe.