(Al Seib / The Academy)
The 2025 Oscars season mirrored the mood of the country—uncertain, divided, and shifting. Despite a slight uptick in viewership in recent years, the prestige of Hollywood’s biggest night continues to wane. In 2024, nearly 20 million Americans tuned in, up from 18.7 million in 2023 and 16.6 million in 2022, according to Nielsen data. The lowest point came in 2021, when only 10.4 million watched. Yet, the Academy Awards remain a cultural touchstone, offering a snapshot of Hollywood’s relevance amid evolving political landscapes, fractured media consumption, and changing social values.
This year, many wondered whether the winners would address the political climate in their speeches. First-time host Conan O’Brien set the tone early, slipping in a pointed joke during his opening monologue:
“You know, ‘Anora’ is having a good night. That’s great news! Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”
The comment, which drew loud applause, seemed to allude to Donald Trump’s recent closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his ongoing criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid the Russia- Ukraine war.
While the telecast largely avoided overt political statements, some winners used their platform to make an impact.
Adrien Brody, accepting the Oscar for Best Actor for “The Brutalist”—a film about a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrates to the U.S.—delivered a powerful speech:
“I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and repercussions of war, systemic oppression, antisemitism, and racism. I pray for a healthier, happier, and more inclusive world. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that we must not let hate go unchecked. Let’s fight for what’s right.”
On the issue of diversity and inclusion, the night saw historic wins. Paul Tazewell made Oscars history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.” Tazewell, a celebrated designer with a career spanning Broadway and Hollywood, acknowledged the moment in his speech:
“Costume design is storytelling, and I stand here representing not just my work but the generations of artists and designers who have been overlooked. Our stories matter. Our vision matters.”
Zoe Saldaña, an Afro-Latina actress of Dominican heritage, also made history, winning Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez.” In her emotional acceptance speech, she highlighted the significance of her win and the importance of representation in Hollywood:
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands. I look at this room, and I see progress. But we have so much more work to do. Let’s keep lifting each other up.”
The most direct political statement of the night came from the filmmakers behind “No Other Land,” a Palestinian-Israeli documentary. Accepting the award for Best Documentary Feature, Israeli journalist and co-director Yuval Abraham addressed U.S. foreign policy:
“We made this film—Palestinians and Israelis—because together our voices are stronger. We see each other. We see the atrocious destruction of Gaza, which must end. And we see the Israeli hostages, brutally taken in the crime of October 7, who must be freed.”
He continued:
“There is another path, a political solution. But the foreign policy of this country is helping to block that path. Why? Can’t you see we are intertwined? My people will only be truly safe if Basel’s [Adra, co-director] people are truly free and safe.”
Daryl Hannah also briefly acknowledged the war in Ukraine before presenting Best Film Editing (won by Sean Baker for “Anora”), offering a moment of solidarity.
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Cynthia Erivo’s loss—many had expected her to take home the Oscar, making her shutout particularly notable. But the most shocking moment came when Demi Moore did not win. When her name was not called, an audible gasp rippled through the Dolby Theatre, underscoring just how strong the expectations had been for her victory.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, took place Sunday at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
Find the full winners list here and check out the A-list red carpet arrivals here.
https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2025
