The 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, turned the spotlight on musical films, particularly the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. The show, hosted by Conan O'Brien, celebrated not only the achievements of the past year but also served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the film community following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Among the night's highlights was the vibrant opening performance featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stars of Wicked, who captivated the audience with their rendition of classic tunes from the Wizard of Oz universe. Grande kicked off the performance with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," dressed in a gown reminiscent of Dorothy's ruby slippers, setting the emotional tone for the evening. Erivo joined her to perform "Home" and culminated the segment with their powerhouse duet, "Defying Gravity," which received thunderous applause and standing ovations from attendees.
Slater's performance reflects the themes of Wicked, with messages of strength and unity, particularly meaningful this year as the industry grapples with both recovery and celebration. Slater, known for his role as Boq, emphasized the importance of connection and purpose during the red carpet interviews, stating, "Wicked is not just about magic; it's about finding our strength and standing together."
This year's Oscars were particularly noteworthy for Wicked, which garnered 10 nominations, including Best Picture. The film features stunning performances from stars like Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, both of whom received individual nominations for their roles. The film was celebrated not just for its entertainment but for its cultural relevance, echoing current societal issues.
During the ceremony, Kieran Culkin received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain. His acceptance speech touched on personal themes, as he recounted his aspirations for family with humor, stating, "I’ve promised my wife I’ll provide four children if I win this award," which spurred laughter and applause.
Another standout was Zoe Saldaña, who made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar after being awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña, filled with emotion, expressed gratitude to her family and the Academy for the honor, remarking, "Everything brave, outrageous, and good I’ve ever done has been because of you."
The show, described as "Wicked-ly fun", included tributes to legendary films and covered current topics of resilience, paying homage to the lasting impact of the music and film industries. Notable nominees included The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, with the latter leading the nominations at 13, reflecting the rich storytelling within cinema today.
Presenters from various backgrounds included iconic figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson, contributing to the diverse narrative of the ceremony. This year’s show gravitated less toward traditional best original song performances but highlighted the integration of music within films, shown through the performances centering around Wicked and tributes to influential artists like Quincy Jones.
The red carpet saw Grande and Erivo shining brightly, showcasing not just fashion but also the friendship between the two leading ladies. Grande wore a pale pink gown from the Schiaparelli collection, perfectly encapsulating her character's whimsical essence, and took to social media to express her excitement about the night. Erivo, donning deep green custom Louis Vuitton, made waves with her bold look reminiscent of her character Elphaba.
Academy officials faced criticism for previous postponements and the challenges posed by the wildfires but stood firm on continuing the ceremony as not just entertainment but as necessary economic support. Their decision underscored the importance of resilience as they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the local film industry.
With its mixture of heartfelt performances, poignant acceptance speeches, and cherished moments, the 2025 Oscars successfully revitalized the spirit of Hollywood, surrounding Wicked and its stars with admiration and recognition. “This is just the beginning of our incredible story,” Slater remarked red carpet before the awards began, encapsulating the hopeful atmosphere of the evening. The night was more than just awards; it was about celebrating the courage and creativity of artists forging onwards beyond the setbacks they faced.