Mick Jagger made waves at the 2025 Academy Awards with his surprise appearance, showcasing the rock legend's continuing influence and charisma even at the age of 81. The lead singer of The Rolling Stones took the stage to present the award for Best Original Song during the ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025.
Rather than walking the red carpet, Jagger first emerged at the prestigious Vanity Fair Oscar Party, which was held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Accompanied by his long-time girlfriend, Melanie Hamrick, whom he began dating in 2014, Jagger opted to skip the usual pre-awards bling for this more private event.
After attending the party, he made the 20-minute drive to the Oscars venue, where the excitement was palpable. Upon his arrival, the audience erupted with applause, awarding Jagger a standing ovation, underscoring his enduring impact on music and pop culture. His charismatic presence added flair to the otherwise formal event.
With wit and charm, Jagger lightened the mood as he delivered his presentation. He humorously referenced the notable absence of Bob Dylan, quipping, "Bob Dylan declined to present the song Oscar because the best songs of the year were obviously in A Complete Unknown." The jest referred not only to Dylan’s famed catalog but also to the film A Complete Unknown, which chronicles his formative years and led the nominations with eight nods, including Best Picture.
The nominees for the Best Original Song were packed with talent: "El Mal" from Emilia Pérez, "Mi Camino" from Emilia Pérez, "Never Too Late" by Elton John, "Like a Bird" from Sing Sing, and "The Journey" from The Six Triple Eight. With its compelling narrative exploring themes of identity and transformation, Emilia Pérez garnered the most recognition during the ceremony, with 13 nominations altogether.
When Jagger announced "El Mal" as the winner, the stage was graced by the song's composers, Clément Ducol and Camille, who accepted their first Academy Award. The duo's collaboration created songs central to the film's riveting story, and during Camille's acceptance speech, she articulated the powerful message behind their work. "The song's message is against corruption and the power of music and art to promote good and progress," she stated, reflecting the duo's aspirations to inspire change through their art.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars encompassed not only awards and recognition but also celebrated the unbreakable spirit of creativity. From Jagger's unexpected cameo to thoughtful speeches surrounding the honored works, the night encapsulated the vibrant intersection of music and film, affirming the status of both mediums as cultural powerhouses.
Beyond the accolades, Jagger's moment on stage was emblematic of how rock music continues to weave itself intricately with cinematic storytelling, encouraging audiences to recognize and celebrate the intrinsic connections between these two influential artistic realms. The energy of the night, paired with Jagger’s resounding presence, left attendees and viewers alike buzzing with excitement and admiration for the arts.
Mick Jagger's playful jab and his glamorous presence were not just highlights of the Oscars; they served as reminders of the enduring legacy of classic rock and its transformative role within the broader narrative of entertainment and art. Fans and critics alike will undoubtedly reflect on this 2025 Oscars as a memorable night marked by laughter, joy, and the celebration of creativity.