The 97th Academy Awards made headlines on March 2, 2025, as "El Mal," performed by Zoe Saldaña, took home the Oscar for Best Original Song. This iconic tune competed against strong contenders including "The Journey" by The Six Triple Eight, "Like A Bird" from Sing Sing, "Mi Camino" also by Emilia Pérez, and "Never Too Late" from Elton John. The triumph of "El Mal" marked not just recognition for the song but also for the movie itself, which has captivated audiences worldwide.
The evening was unforgettable, fueled by the electrifying presence of Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, who presented the award. At 81 years old, Jagger brought his signature rock-and-roll energy to the Dolby Theatre stage, delighting the audience with nostalgia and charm. His appearance was seen as a significant nod to the long-standing relationship between the two cultural giants of music and cinema.
“I am so honored,” Jagger expressed before announcing the winner, quipping about how the production crew had hoped to have Bob Dylan present the award instead.
Jagger’s delivery of the award was one of the ceremony’s highlights, and he emphasized the importance of original songs to film storytelling, noting how they amplify the emotions depicted on screen. The audience, which included stars like Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio, reacted warmly, showcasing the dynamic atmosphere of the night.
Despite showcasing such star power and notable performances, the ceremony incorporated some surprises this year. For the first time in several years, the live presentations of the Best Original Song nominees were omitted. Instead, the Academy opted to feature intimate testimonials from songwriters, offering personal anecdotes about the creative processes behind their nominated works.
This decision was made to honor Los Angeles, which was ravaged by wildfires earlier this year, redirecting focus toward personal narratives instead of song performances. Bill Kramer and Janet Yang, Academy executives, justified this move as part of the Academy's commitment to adapting traditions reflecting contemporary issues.
The nominations were competitive, with "El Mal," and "Mi Camino" showcasing the emotional depth of their parent film, Emilia Pérez. Meanwhile, "The Journey," written by Diane Warren and performed by H.E.R., was significantly powerful, providing poignant commentary through the lens of war and resilience, highlighting Warren's impressive yet unfulfilled quest for her first Oscar after 16 nominations.
Jagger’s powerful presence not only reinforced the importance of music but also served to bridge generations, connecting the legacy of iconic songs with new groundbreaking explanations within films.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jagger has not been just a musician but also has acted, briefly appearing in films like "Performance" and "Ned Kelly." His extensive musical contributions to soundtracks are also noteworthy, as his past ventures solidified his relevance during such a pivotal event.
Notably, Jagger was seen mingling with fellow celebrities at the pre-Oscar dinner hosted by Chanel and Charles Finch, where he and his partner, Melanie Hamrick, were spotted enjoying the company of stars like Adrien Brody and Colman Domingo. Their outing drew media attention, especially the remarkable 44-year age gap between the couple, as Hamrick is 37 years old and Jagger continues to charm audiences years after the Rolling Stones rose to fame.
The atmosphere was electric as Jagger’s brief but impactful presentation added to the charm of the ceremony. His announcement of "El Mal" as the winner was met with roaring applause, validating the importance of integrating modern narratives with traditional musical influences.
"El Mal" secured its spot as the Best Original Song, mirroring the success of other international songs like "Naatu Naatu," which also claimed the Oscar last year. The victory reflects the Academy's increasing embrace of diversity, as films from around the world gain recognition.
The ceremony aired live on ABC, drawing millions of viewers. Leading up to the event, the latest season of awards set the stage for this anticipated night, following key milestones such as the announcement of nominees on January 23 and final voting from February 11 to 18.
Besides taking home the Oscar for Best Original Song, Emilia Pérez received accolades for Best Supporting Actress and Best International Feature Film, highlighting the film’s strong narrative and cultural impact.
The unique narrative behind "El Mal" allowed it to resonate deeply across audiences. The song enhances the protagonist’s emotional arc, showcasing her struggles with identity as she navigates life as a transgender woman.
Viewers are still buzzing about Jagger’s charisma and the winner of "El Mal," as the award not only recognizes individual artistry but echoes the broader cultural commentary presented through music. The integration of music and film continues to be celebrated, paving the way for captivating storytelling and memorable performances.
The legacy of this Oscar ceremony has been firmly set, as the Academy crowned its latest champion on March 2, 2025, intertwining the significance of diverse contributions to the art with the celebrations of what defines cinematic excellence.