Oscars 2025 highlights: Adrien Brody-Halle Berry’s iconic kiss, Timothée Chalamet-Kylie Jenner’s PDA, and a shocking Michelle Trachtenberg miss | Hollywood News

Hollywood’s most prestigious night — the 97th Academy Awards — wrapped up with Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora emerging as the day’s biggest winner, securing five awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Mikey Madison) and Best Director. As the event took place while Southern California grapples with the aftermath of January’s wildfires, the ceremony opened with Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivering a powerful musical tribute to Los Angeles.
A major talking point of the night was the underwhelming performance of Jacques Audiard’s musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez, which, despite leading the nominations with 13 nods, took home only two Oscars. Once seen as a strong contender, the film’s awards campaign faltered after past social media posts lead actor Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced. Dating from 2016 to 2020, the posts included controversial remarks in which she referred to Islam as a “hotbed of infection for humanity” and George Floyd as a “drug addict swindler.” While Gascón largely withdrew from the awards circuit amid the backlash, she was present at Monday’s Oscar ceremony.
Oscars 2025 Full Winners L: Sean Baker’s Anora wins Best Picture and leads pack with five awards; Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody take home acting prizes
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Though this year’s Academy Awards remained relatively free of controversy, a few moments stood out and captured the audience’s attention. Here are five key highlights from the 97th Oscars:
Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreate iconic 2003 Oscars kiss
One of the most memorable moments of the 97th Academy Awards came when actors Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreated their iconic kiss from the 2003 Oscars. As Berry crossed paths with Brody on the red carpet, the two surprised everyone sharing a passionate kiss. The moment echoed their famous encounter from two decades ago when Brody spontaneously kissed Berry while accepting his Best Actor award for his performance in Roman Polanski’s The Pian. Adding to the déjà vu, Berry once again seemed to bring Brody good fortune, as he took home the Best Actor award this year too for his performance in Brady Corbet’s The Brutal.

A reunion 22 years in the making. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/MkaF2xb6SE
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 2, 2025
Michelle Trachtenberg, Shannen Doherty overlooked in ‘In Memoriam’ segment
While the “In Memoriam” segment paid tribute to several cinematic icons who passed away over the past year, the Academy notably left out a few significant names. The segment began with Morgan Freeman honouring legendary actor Gene Hackman, his co-star in Unforgiven (1992) and Under Suspicion (2000). However, it completely omitted Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Michelle Trachtenberg and Darkness of Man star Shannen Doherty. Other notable figures missing from the tribute included Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo, Alain Delon, Annie Hall actor Tony Roberts, Linda Lavin, James Darren, Mitzi Gaynor, Martin Mull, and Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey, as well as documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, Variety reported.
Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison speak up for oppressed
In his acceptance speech, Best Actor winner Adrien Brody addressed antisemitism and racism, emphasising the lasting impact of war and systemic oppression. “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and othering. I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”
Meanwhile, Anora star Mikey Madison, 25, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the sex worker community. “I want to again recognise the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally,” Madison said. “I grew up in Los Angeles but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. This is a dream come true. I’m probably going to wake up tomorrow.”Story continues below this ad
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Academy honours Los Angeles firefighters
In a heartening gesture, the 97th Academy Awards recognised the Los Angeles firefighters who bravely battled the devastating Southern California wildfires in January 2025, which caused widespread destruction across the region. Host Conan O’Brien made them part of the event inviting them to share a few jokes on stage. As a team of firefighters stepped onto the stage, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. “On behalf of everyone in greater Los Angeles, thank you for all you do,” O’Brien said before giving several firefighters the opportunity to speak.
Timothée Chalamet and girlfriend Kylie Jenner become the centre of attention
Although Timothée Chalamet didn’t take home a trophy at the 97th Academy Awards, he still commanded attention as he arrived with his girlfriend, media personality and socialite Kylie Jenner. Seated in the front row at the Dol Theatre in Hollywood, the couple drew constant attention with their affectionate gestures. Their fashion choices also turned heads as Chalamet stood out in a striking yellow suit, while Jenner stunned in a sleek, strappy black gown. Chalamet had been nominated for Best Actor for his performance in James Mangold’s biographical musical drama A Complete Unknown.