Los Angeles, CA - On March 2, 2025, Hollywood's elite gathered at the Dolby Theatre for the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, commonly known as the Oscars. Hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, the evening was brimming with glamour and excitement, showcasing not only cinematic achievements but also the most talked-about fashion. One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stars of the film Wicked, which had garnered ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Among the nominated films, Anora emerged as the big winner, accruing five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. This year’s ceremony had actors like Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore, and Kieran Culkin vying for various awards, illustrating the depth and diversity of talent recognized this year.
The stage lit up early with a performance featuring Grande, who captivated attendees with her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. She wore a stunning custom Schiaparelli gown, complementing her role as Glinda. Erivo joined her during the performance, contributing her powerful voice to “Home” from The Wiz, and the pair closed their set together with “Defying Gravity.” The set not only showcased their vocal prowess but offered a nostalgic nod to their characters, making the evening even more memorable.
Despite the high expectations for Wicked, the film left with only two Oscars for Best Costume Design, awarded to Paul Tazewell, and Best Production Design, won by Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley. Notably, Tazewell’s win was historic as he became the first Black man to receive the Oscar for Best Costume Design. This achievement marks a significant moment not only for Tazewell but also for diversity within the Academy Awards, signaling progress within the film industry.
While Grande and Erivo’s contributions were well-received, the red carpet also turned heads this year, with fashion choices ranging from breathtaking elegance to bewildering designs. Grande's gown ingeniously included elements reminiscent of the iconic ruby slippers, blending sophistication with pop culture charm. Alongside her, Erivo donned a dramatic black velvet gown capturing the essence of her character, Elphaba.
Timothée Chalamet made bold choices, stepping onto the red carpet dressed head-to-toe in bright yellow, complete with pointy black boots, creating quite the visual statement. Meanwhile, other celebrities showcased their unique styles: Storm Reid donned a short dress paired with a voluminous cape, and Whoopi Goldberg arrived wearing what some described as more suitable for space travel than Hollywood.
Fashion faux pas also abounded, with some attendees raising eyebrows over their peculiar choices. Miley Cyrus, for example, wowed onlookers with her black gown, though her bleached eyebrows left some critics divided. Actress Daryl Hannah broke conventional norms, opting for flared satin trousers along with a fishnet bodysuit, highlighting the Spectrum of fashion at this year's ceremony.
Overall, the Oscars not only celebrated film but also offered viewers insight and entertainment through the array of fashion displayed. The variety of outfits brought mixed reactions — for every jaw-dropping ensemble, there was also one prompting laughter or dismay. Notably, even fashion influencers like Kylie Jenner made appearances, showcasing alternative styles within the event's more traditional framework.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars stood out for their celebration of cinematic achievements along with fashion statements, with both celebrities and films marking boundaries and setting trends. With films like Wicked set for sequels, including the anticipated Wicked: For Good, and directors eyeing future nominations, the evening also hinted at what’s to come for next year’s Academy Awards. One thing is clear: with performances and fashion at the forefront, the Oscars remain not just about the awards but also about the spectacle, entertainment, and spectacle of Hollywood.