Hollywood’s biggest night unfolded at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, as the 97th Academy Awards celebrated the best films of the past year, with A-listers walking the red carpet dressed to impress.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, was marked by stunning fashion and memorable moments. Stars like Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Zoe Saldaña made headlines not just for their performances but for their remarkable ensembles. Timothée Chalamet stood out first on the red carpet, donning a vibrant lemon yellow suit from Givenchy’s new creative director Sarah Burton.
Before the awards ceremony began, viewers could see Moore shining bright in her crystal-embroidered Giorgio Armani Privé gown with plunging neckline and pleated detailing. Ariana Grande channeled her character from Wicked with a delicate pink Schiaparelli dress embellished with crystals.
The event was not just about awards but also nostalgia. Halle Berry recreated one of the most extraordinary moments of the night when she playfully kissed Adrien Brody, now 51, recalling the kiss he gave her after winning Best Actor back at the 2003 Oscars. "I’m sorry, Georgina, but I’ve gotta do it,” Halle said to Brody's partner Georgina Chapman, grabbing Brody to plant the kiss. This moment delighted onlookers, buzzing with excitement reminiscent of their past red carpet encounter.
Part of the glam was also from the nominees competing for the coveted award. The frontrunner for Best Picture, Emilia Pérez, leads with 13 nominations this year, including those for Best Director and Best Actress, where Karla Sofía Gascón stars as the title character. Another notable contender, The Brutalist, has garnered 10 nominations, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody.
Hollywood favorites, including Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, and Michelle Yeoh, graced the carpet too. Yeoh dazzled in blue wearing Balenciaga, and Stone opted for metallic hues, continuing the silver trend for the evening.
Fashion took center stage as more celebrities arrived. Felicity Jones shone beautifully in her liquid silver halterneck gown by Giorgio Armani Privé. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez strutted down the carpet, sparkling in Ralph Lauren, inspired by the legendary Sophia Loren, which only added to the glamour of the evening.
Many other stars chose ensembles reflecting the evening’s elegance and nostalgia for Old Hollywood glamour. Cynthia Erivo's epic Louis Vuitton gown featured crystal detailing complemented by her iconic nails. On the other end of the spectrum, Queen Latifah wowed the crowd with her ruffled red gown, making headlines alongside the likes of both established stars and fresh nominees.
The fashion statements included monochromatic looks, colorful twists, and elegant capes, custom-designed by some of the most celebrated fashion houses. Celebrities like Zoe Saldaña, who wore Saint Laurent, and Isabella Rossellini, who paid tribute to David Lynch with her blue ensemble, created lasting impressions on the audience.
With such impressive nominations this year, first-time nominees like Sebastian Stan, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña, boosted the excitement around the ceremony, illustrating the ever-evolving fabric of Hollywood’s talent.
The watchful eyes of fashion critics laid bare comments on who missed the mark and who hit the nail on the head as celebrities transitioned from interviews to bonding on the carpet.
Backstage, excitement didn’t go unnoticed. The anticipation for the winners from art direction to acting categories rose as Conan O’Brien made light-hearted jokes which entertained the guests and kept spirits high.
With the red carpet full of extraordinary styles and classic moments, it’s clear the Oscars have once again set the stage for creativity and expression through both cinema and fashion. The evening wound down with nominees and performers eager to see how the awards would shake out, but it was the stunning fashion and evocative moments, kindled with nostalgia and excitement for entertainment, which will typically linger longest.
The 97th Academy Awards provided yet another year of remarkable recognition for the film industry, leaving fans, celebrities, and critics eagerly anticipating their next opportunity to engage with the glimmering world of cinema.