The Best and Worst of the 2025 Oscars
Let's take a look at some my favorite and not so favorite moments from the 97th Academy Awards.
Best - Indie film recognition
"Anora" was made with only a $6 million budget and won big during Sunday's ceremony.
Worst - "A Complete Unknown" walks away with zero awards
My SHAYLA! Unfortunately the Bob Dylan film didn't take home a single win Sunday night. So, in our grief, let's check out Timotheé Chalamet's wonderful speech at the SAG Awards.
Check out my reivew of "A Complete Unknown": https://www.thehotchildinthecity.com/post/a-complete-unknown-review
Best - Sean Baker's plea to see movies in theaters
"Right now the theater going experience is under threat" the (now) four time Oscar winner told the crowd, "Theaters - especially independently owned theaters - are struggling, and it's up to us to support them. During the pandemic we lost nearly 1,000 screens."
Worst - Emilia Pérez wins...anything
Don't get me wrong, I think Zoe Saldaña is an incredible actor, but it felt like a career win for her instead of the actual Best Supporting performance (cough Felicity Jones cough). And I don't think "El Mal" is a bad song, in fact it's probably the best part of the film, but let's be real, "Emilia Pérez" should not have been nominated for anything.
Best - Mick Jagger
The best part about "Emilia Pérez" winning Best Original Song was Mick Jagger presenting the award. In fact, Jagger was the part of the night for me!
Best - Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's opening performance
No notes, just tears!
Worst - Actors left out of in memoriam
Not included: Mitzi Gaynor, Olivia Hussey, James Darren, Janis Paige, Alain Delon, Eleanor Coppola, Tony Todd, Shannen Doherty and our "Ice Princess", MichelleTrachtenberg. And not enough David Lynch.
Worst - James Bond tribute
Now don't get me wrong, I loved Margaret Qualley's dancing, but what was the point of this seven minute time suck? Especially since "James Bond" was recently sold to Amazon. It felt unnecessary.
Best - Queen Latifah's Quincy Jones tribute
We need another Queen Latifah musical film asap! And what a great way to celebrate the life and legacy of legend Quincy Jones.
Best - "The Color People" reunion
Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg reunited to introduce Queen Latifah's tribute performance.
Worst - No musical performances...only to have musical perfromances?
Technically, they merely cut the performances from the Original Song category...probably so "Emilia Pérez" wouldn't look bad in comparison.
Best - Paul Tazewell becomes the first black man to win "Best Costume Design"
Paul Tazewell won a Tony for his costume designs for the Broadway hit "Hamilton". Sunday he took Best Costume Design for his work on the big screen in "WIcked".
Worst - Adrien Brody is still talking
A nearly six long speech, I believe the longest in Oscars history. And did he have to silence the musicians?
Best - Colman Domingo...just Colman Domingo
His outfit, his stylish husband, his reactions: A VIBE. Plus he lead the crowd for a fun dance moment during the commercial break, even getting on stage by himself to groove.