Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, delighted audiences at the 2025 Academy Awards by taking the stage to present the coveted Best Original Song award. The event, held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, captured the attention of millions, especially when Jagger, at 81, humorously shared the story behind his invitation.
Wasting no time to engage with the audience, Jagger said, "Thank you so much everyone, very kind of you, my goodness. I’m greatly honored to be invited to give this award for the best original song tonight." This declaration was met with rousing applause from the star-studded crowd, making it clear they were pleased to see him.
Jagger continued by playing up his humor, explaining his unexpected role: "Much as I love doing it, I wasn’t the first choice. The producers really wanted Bob Dylan to do this." The playful mention of Dylan caught many by surprise, but this clever setup led to the punchline—Jagger impersonated Dylan’s response, saying, "Bob said, 'you should find somebody younger.'" With the crowd laughing, he added, "I said ‘OK, I’m younger! I’m younger than Bob, I’ll do it’. So here I am.”
The light-hearted banter reflected not only Jagger's charisma but also his ability to connect with the audience, showcasing the camaraderie shared among music legends. The emotional highlight of the night came when the award for Best Original Song was presented to the track "El Mal" from the film Emilia Pérez. Co-writers Clément Ducol, Camille, and director Jacques Audiard took the stage to accept the honor.
During their acceptance speech, Camille emphasized the purpose behind their song: "We wrote ‘El Mal’ as a song to denounce corruption." The trio capped off their moment with Camille and Ducol harmonizing their appreciation as they sang the name of the film’s title character, engaging the audience with their enthusiasm.
Aside from Jagger and the winners, the ceremony also featured other nominated songs vying for the honor, including "The Journey" from The Six Triple Eight by Diane Warren, "Like a Bird" from Sing Sing by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada, "Mi Camino" from Emilia Pérez, and "Never Too Late" by Elton John. Despite being one of the nominees, Elton John was unable to add to his previous Academy Awards victories, as the award was claimed by the fresh voice of Emilia Pérez.
Instances of humor marked other parts of the night. Kieran Culkin won the first award, Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance alongside Ed Norton and Guy Pearce. His acceptance speech was filled with laughs and heartfelt gratitude, particularly for his co-stars, highlighting the delightful atmosphere of camaraderie throughout the ceremony.
Yet, it was Jagger who stole the show, encapsulating the engaging narrative of legendary artists facing time’s passage. Representatives from various entertainment mediums came together, providing tributes and nods to their own influences throughout the night. The audience experienced not just the triumphs of the winners but also the enduring spirit of music and its artists.
After the Oscars, Jagger was also spotted enjoying the Vanity Fair party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with his long-time girlfriend Melanie Hamrick, 37. The pair showcased their affection on the red carpet, linking fingers and engaging with other stars present at the event. Seen together since they first met during The Rolling Stones’ tour of Tokyo and the American Ballet Theater show, the couple shared smiles and laughter, radiantly celebrating their relationship.
Hamrick reflected on their 44-year age difference during the event, saying, "Everyone’s going to have their opinion. If you think about others’ opinions, no matter where you are in life, you’re going to have a problem." Their outlook on love resounded during the festive yet exclusive night, allowing glimpses of the ability to speak candidly about love, legacy, and the ties between generations of artists.
The 2025 Academy Awards brought together luminaries from film and music, marking another remarkable chapter—with Jagger's presentation of the Best Original Song award taking center stage. It highlighted the intertwining of legendary voices and their lasting impact on storytelling through music. The event will be one remembered not just for the artistry displayed, but for the elegance and humor exuded by icons like Mick Jagger—a reminder of the brilliance of those dedicated to the world's stage.