Mon Mar 03 00:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Oscars 2025: “Flow” Makes History, “A Real Pain” Triumphs, and Controversies Cloud the Night
**Los Angeles, CA** – The 97th Academy Awards, hosted for the first time by Conan O’Brien, unfolded Sunday night with a mix of expected wins, surprising upsets, and lingering controversies. The ceremony opened with a dazzling musical medley by “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, setting a high-energy tone for the evening.
A major highlight was the victory of Lithuanian fantasy film “Flow” for Best Animated Feature, marking the first-ever Oscar win for a Lithuanian film. Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in “A Real Pain,” adding another accolade to his already impressive collection of awards for the performance.
However, the night wasn’t without its dramatic undercurrents. Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez,” entering with a leading 13 nominations, faced a significant setback due to controversies surrounding star Karla Sofía Gascón’s past offensive social media posts. While Gascón attended the ceremony, the scandal overshadowed the film’s potential for major wins, leaving its co-star Zoe Saldaña as a potential frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress.
Other major contenders included the architectural epic “The Brutalist,” the papal thriller “Conclave,” and the critically acclaimed, albeit controversial, “Anora.” While “Conclave” pulled off a surprise win at the BAFTAs, the Oscars race remained fiercely competitive, with no clear frontrunners in many categories.
O’Brien’s hosting debut blended sharp wit and poignant reflection. He acknowledged the devastating recent wildfires in Los Angeles, using the occasion to highlight the unifying power of film and to promote wildfire relief efforts. His monologue also featured humorous jabs at nominees and the Oscars’ notoriously long run time, even incorporating a memorable dance number with Deadpool.
The red carpet saw a parade of glamorous stars, including Timothée Chalamet in a striking yellow ensemble and Demi Moore in a stunning silver gown. Cynthia Erivo’s emerald green velvet gown and elaborate Oz-inspired nails also drew considerable attention.
The ceremony concluded with several memorable moments, including a touching tribute to the late Gene Hackman. The overall event, however, was a complex mix of celebration, controversy, and a lingering sense of the unpredictable.
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