The 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, were a night of surprises, heartfelt tributes, and memorable moments. Conan O'Brien hosted the ceremony, bringing his signature humor and a fresh perspective to Hollywood's biggest night. While some outcomes were predictable, others defied expectations, leading to spirited discussions and meme-worthy reactions across social media.

Remembering Those We Lost

The ceremony began with a touching montage honoring Los Angeles, followed by a performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that paid tribute to 'Wicked' and celebrated the city's resilience after the recent wildfires. Later, Morgan Freeman delivered a poignant tribute to Gene Hackman, setting a reflective tone for the In Memoriam segment.

Musical Performances and Tributes

The tribute to the James Bond franchise was a standout, with Margaret Qualley's dance and performances by Lisa from BLACKPINK, Doja Cat, and Raye adding a glamorous touch. Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, and Whoopi Goldberg also honored Quincy Jones with a heartfelt tribute and performance.

Fashion and Red Carpet Highlights

The red carpet was a runway of high fashion, with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, Halle Berry, and Selena Gomez making bold style statements. Memorable looks included Grande's Schiaparelli gown, Chalamet's buttery yellow Givenchy suit, and Berry's mirrored mosaic dress. However, some fashion choices missed the mark, sparking debate among viewers.

Key Award Wins and Memorable Moments

The night's biggest winner was 'Anora,' which took home five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), and Best Original Screenplay. Baker's impassioned plea for supporting movie theaters resonated with the audience. Other notable wins included Adrien Brody for Best Actor ('The Brutalist'), Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor ('A Real Pain'), and Zoe Saldaña for Best Supporting Actress ('Emilia Pérez'). The international film category saw 'I'm Still Here' from Brazil take the prize, while 'Flow' won Best Animated Feature.

Controversies and Surprises

Despite the celebration, controversies were not absent. Conan O'Brien's jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón drew mixed reactions, and the absence of performances by Best Original Song nominees was noted. The biggest shock of the night came when Mikey Madison won Best Actress over frontrunner Demi Moore, sparking debate among fans. Additionally, the Hulu livestream experienced technical difficulties, cutting off viewers during the final awards.

Detailed Breakdown of Award Winners

Sean Baker's Historic Win

Sean Baker's remarkable achievement of winning four Oscars for 'Anora' set a new record, tying Walt Disney's previous record but surpassing it by winning all awards for a single film. Baker used his platform to champion independent cinema and the importance of supporting movie theaters.

Red Carpet Moments and Standout Fashion

Fashion on the red carpet ranged from classic elegance to bold statements. Celebrities like Lisa from BLACKPINK, Elle Fanning, and Raye showcased unique styles, with Lisa opting for a tuxedo dress and Raye stunning in red. However, some fashion choices, like Miley Cyrus's bleached eyebrows, drew mixed reactions.

The In Memoriam Tribute

The In Memoriam segment paid tribute to stars like Gene Hackman but omitted notable figures like Michelle Trachtenberg and Tony Todd, sparking controversy. The Academy's decision to include a QR code to a more comprehensive list online did little to quell the criticism.

Controversial Jokes and Commentary

Conan O'Brien's hosting included jokes that landed well and some that stirred controversy, like his quips about Karla Sofía Gascón and a generic and brief nod to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud. Political commentary was subtle, with celebrities like Daryl Hannah expressing support for Ukraine but largely avoiding direct mentions of political figures.

A Memorable Night

The 97th Academy Awards celebrated cinematic achievements while navigating social and political sensitivities. From the heartfelt tributes to the surprising wins, the ceremony provided a mix of entertainment, reflection, and controversy, making it a memorable night in Hollywood history.