The 2025 Oscars delivered a night of nostalgia, humor, and unexpected moments. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony balanced classic Academy Awards traditions with fresh comedic energy. From technical glitches to heartfelt tributes, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what made this year’s show memorable.
Conan O’Brien: A Winning Host
Conan O’Brien’s return to the Oscars was met with overwhelming praise. Rob Mills, Disney’s exec VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment, described it as a “greatest hits” performance, blending O’Brien’s signature wit, self-deprecation, and unexpected jokes (like his Kendrick Lamar-Drake quip). While his future as a host is uncertain, the Academy would love to have him back.
Hulu’s Technical Woes
Disney’s attempt to expand Oscars streaming to Hulu didn’t go as planned. Some viewers faced login issues, and, in an unfortunate blunder, the livestream cut off before the Best Actress award due to a scheduling mistake. While engineers scrambled to fix the issue, it became a learning experience for Disney as it looks to extend its Oscars broadcast deal beyond 2028.
Adrien Brody’s Marathon Speech
One of the night's most talked-about moments was Adrien Brody’s lengthy five and half minutes acceptance speech. As the show was already running long, producers tried to play him off, but Brody wasn’t having it. “I’m wrapping up, please turn the music off,” he insisted. His speech was so drawn out that many struggled to remember his key points, with his defiant “This isn’t my first rodeo” remark becoming the most memorable takeaway.
Musical Highlights and Tributes
The night featured stunning performances, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s “Oz” medley and a James Bond tribute starring Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa. The In Memoriam segment took a solemn turn, with a choir performing Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor instead of a solo artist—a choice meant to set the Oscars apart from other award shows.
Margaret Qualley Dancing To James Bond
The decision to have Margaret Qualley open the James Bond tribute with a dance came later in the creative process, but it proved to be a brilliant addition. Director Oliver Mills revealed that Qualley was considered after initial plans were set, but her performance ended up being a standout moment. “I thought that was absolutely incredible. She was great,” Mills said, praising her fluid and expressive movement.
Her captivating presence on stage even sparked speculation that she could be a fitting addition to the Bond franchise itself. With her blend of elegance, charisma, and physicality, many are now wondering if Qualley could play a role in the next installment of the iconic spy series.
Adam Sandler Steals The Show
Adam Sandler may not have been nominated at this year’s Oscars, but that didn’t stop him from making a scene during the ceremony. The actor and comedian hilariously crashed Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue, drawing laughs as the host poked fun at his ultra-casual attire. “Adam, what are you wearing?” O’Brien joked. “You’re dressed like a guy playing video poker at 2 a.m.” Sandler, never one to back down from a roast, fired back with his signature deadpan humor, insisting that his gym shorts and sweatshirt were perfectly fine.
The bit escalated as Sandler pretended to storm out of the ceremony, but not before delivering a loud, unexpected shout into Timothée Chalamet’s ear, much to the audience’s delight. On his way out, he invited the entire room to a late-night basketball game, even stumbling over the name of Nosferatu while joking about recruiting its star for his team. It was a classic Sandler moment—unfiltered, chaotic, and undeniably entertaining.
Last-Minute Gene Hackman Tribute And Memoriam
The sudden passing of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman just before the Oscars led to a last-minute scramble. Producers swiftly updated the In Memoriam segment, and Morgan Freeman was brought in for a heartfelt tribute. Missed though was Michelle Trachtenberg, Tony Todd and Morgan Spurlock.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Oscars struck a balance between tradition and innovation. Whether Conan returns as host or Hulu perfects its livestream, the Academy has valuable lessons to take into next year’s ceremony.
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Source: Variety
Photo Credit: ABC
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