Oscars 2025: 10 best and wildest moments that stole the show

Oscars 2025: There was not one dull moment at the 97th annual Academy Awards hosted on Sunday at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles, which had suffered the worst wildfires a few months ago. It was followed by a laughter riot with host Conan O'Brien's hilarious opening monologue.

But there were a few moments at the Oscars which caught more eyeballs than most, and this space is for them.

Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreate their controversial 2003 kiss

Dazzling in a shimmering silver gown, Halle Berry took everyone by surprise as she playfully interrupted Adrien Brody’s red carpet interview, leaning in to steal a kiss.

The unexpected moment instantly sparked nostalgia, echoing their iconic on-stage kiss from Oscars 2003 when Brody, fresh off his Best Actor win for The Pianist, stunned the world by kissing Berry on stage.

The moment was caught on camera, and went viral almost immediately.

Adam Sandler shows up in shorts and sweatshirt

On a night bursting with glitz and glamour, as Hollywood’s finest turned heads in their red carpet best, Adam Sandler effortlessly became the internet's favourite—not with designer couture, but with his signature laid-back style, rocking shorts and a sweatshirt.

He was put in the spotlight by host Conan O’Brien, who jokingly asked, “Adam, what are you wearing?” “You’re dressed like a guy playing video poker at 2 AM.” 

To this, Sandler responded, “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up.”

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet lock lips during ceremony

Caught in PDA!! Lovebirds Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, seated in the front row, were snapped sharing a tender kiss during the ongoing Academy Awards. They are attending the award show together but ditched the grand entrance.

As the cameras focused on the front seats, Kylie and Timothée were seen locking lips for a short and sweet kiss.

Conan O’Brien mocks Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofia Gascon 

Oscars host Conan O'Brien, in his unique style, took a dig at Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón over her recent social media controversy, with a subtle joke on Best Picture awardee Sean Baker's Anora.

“'Anora' uses the F-word 479 times. That's three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón's publicist,” he joked.

He then told the Emilia Pérez actress, who came under fire in recent weeks for past offensive social media posts, “Karla, if you're going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.”

Zoe Saldana's emotional Oscar acceptance speech

Zoe Saldana, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Perez, gave an emotional speech while accepting her award. “ I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she said, highlighting that she was the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award.

Ariana Grande goes full Glinda at Oscars with 'Wicked' bestie Cynthia Erivo 

Ariana Grande launched into “The Wizard of Oz” classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” following a visual package celebrating the city of Los Angeles. She was followed by Cynthia Erivo nailing “Home” from “The Wiz” and the pair teaming up for a dynamic duet of “Defying Gravity.”

Conan O’Brien gives a shoutout to India, greets with namaste

Conan O'Brien who is hosting Academy Awards 2025 for the first time, gave a shoutout to India. Not only did he speak in Hindi but also folded hands, addressing people with a namaste.

He said, “Greetings to the people of India. It's morning there, so I hope you enjoy your breakfast with the Oscars.” He went on and delivered a monologue, full of sarcastic comments, as expected.

Paul Tazewell becomes first Black man to win an Oscar for best costume design

Paul Tazewell made history at the Oscars, becoming the first Black man to win best costume design. Tazewell won for his masterful design work in “Wicked” at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday. 

It is his first win and second nomination. He was previously nominated in the category for his work on Steven Spielberg's “West Side Story.”

“I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award,” he said in his acceptance speech, which was met with a couple standing ovations. “I’m so proud of this.”

Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg honour Quincy Jones with emotional tribute 

Among the many memorable moments at the 2025 Oscars ceremony one tribute stood out – Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg's emotional tribute to late Quincy Jones.

The duo, who starred together in 'The Color Purple', took the stage on Sunday night to celebrate Jones' incredible legacy in music and film.

"Tonight we honor the true American legend, whose movies and music continue to inspire us all," said Winfrey, as per Variety. Goldberg added, “When we talk about Black excellence, we're talking about Quincy.” 

Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal bring back ‘When Harry Met Sally’ magic to Oscar stage

One of the most iconic Oscar stage moments was the reunion of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, who starred together in the classic rom-com ‘When Harry Met Sally.’

Crystal, who has hosted the Oscars nine times, couldn't resist cracking a joke about his return to the Dolby Theatre venue in Los Angeles, which hosted the 97th Academy Awards.

"I used to work here," he quipped, noting that his first time hosting was 35 years ago this month.

But the real magic happened when Crystal referenced one of his most iconic lines from ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ “When you have a chance to be an Oscar winner for the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible,” he said, bringing the house down at the ceremony.