Los Angeles, March 10, 2025 — The 97th Academy Awards unfolded in a dazzling ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, celebrating cinematic excellence with a mix of expected triumphs and shocking upsets. Hosted by comedian and actor John Mulaney, the 2025 Oscars honored groundbreaking performances, technical achievements, and storytelling that captivated global audiences. From Best Actress showdowns to the crowning of Best Picture, here’s everything you need to know about the Oscar winners 2025, where to watch replays, and how the night’s biggest moments unfolded.
The Crown Jewel: Best Picture Goes to “The Last Horizon”
In a fiercely competitive category, The Last Horizon claimed Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars, edging out favorites like Emilia Perez and Wicked. Directed by visionary filmmaker Ava DuVernay, the sci-fi epic—praised for its breathtaking visuals and emotional depth—marked the first Best Picture win for a genre film since The Shape of Water (2017). DuVernay, accepting the award, hailed the crew for “redefining what’s possible in storytelling.”
Meanwhile, Wicked, the star-studded adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon, secured two wins for Best Costume Design and Best Original Song (“Defying Gravity Reimagined”), but fell short in major categories. Fans speculated whether its split release strategy (Part 1 in 2024, Part 2 in 2025) impacted its momentum.
Best Actress 2025: Cynthia Erivo Triumphs in “Emilia Perez”
The Best Actress race delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments, with Cynthia Erivo winning her first Oscar for her transformative role in Emilia Perez. The musical crime drama, directed by Jacques Audiard, saw Erivo play a Mexican cartel leader undergoing a secret gender transition—a performance critics called “career-defining.”
Erivo triumphed over a stacked lineup of Best Actress nominees 2025, including Zendaya (Challengers: Legacy), Florence Pugh (The Forgotten Garden), Greta Lee (Past Lives Revisited), and Viola Davis (The Woman King: Ascendant). In her tearful speech, Erivo dedicated the award to “the trans community and anyone fighting to live their truth.”
Best Actor 2025: Paul Mescal’s Heartbreaking Win for “A Song for Charlie”
Irish actor Paul Mescal took home Best Actor for his portrayal of a struggling musician in A Song for Charlie, beating frontrunners Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Prophecy) and Kieran Culkin (The Acolyte). Mescal, previously nominated in 2023, delivered a humble speech acknowledging his “extraordinary fellow nominees.” Notably, Timothée Chalamet remains Oscar-less despite his fourth nomination, fueling online debates about the Academy’s preferences.
Supporting Categories: Surprises and First-Time Winners
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldana for her role as a resilient astronaut in The Last Horizon, marking her first Oscar after decades in Hollywood. Saldana edged out Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers: Redemption) and Lashana Lynch (Emilia Perez).
In Best Supporting Actor, newcomer Jude Hill (22) stunned audiences by winning for his role in Belfast Echoes, a coming-of-age drama set during the Troubles. Hill, the youngest winner in the category since Timothy Hutton (1980), thanked director Kenneth Branagh for “trusting a rookie.”
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Where to Watch the Oscars 2025: Streaming and Replay Details
For those who missed the live broadcast, the 2025 Oscars are available for streaming on ABC’s official website and Hulu. International viewers can access the ceremony via Netflix’s “Awards Spotlight” hub or local partners like BBC iPlayer (UK) and Canal+ (France).
Key platforms to stream the Oscars 2025:
Technical Wins and Snubs: Wicked’s Limited Haul, Emilia Perez Dominates
While Wicked earned praise for its costumes and music, it missed out on Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects, which went to Dune: Prophecy. Meanwhile, Emilia Perez swept technical categories, winning Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing.
The Best Director award went to Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Prophecy, his first Oscar despite previous nominations. Greta Gerwig (Barbie: Odyssey) was notably absent from the nominees, sparking renewed criticism of the Academy’s gender disparities.
In Memoriam 2025: Tearful Tributes to Hollywood Legends
This year’s In Memoriam segment honored late icons like Tom Cruise, Angela Lansbury, and Chadwick Boseman, accompanied by a soulful performance of “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish. The montage concluded with a standing ovation for Iris Yamashita, the first Native American actress nominated posthumously for Snow Wolf.
How to Watch the Oscars 2025 Live Stream: FAQs
Q: What channel is the Oscars on in 2025?
A: The ceremony aired live on ABC and streamed via Hulu.
Q: Who won Best Actress in 2025?
A: Cynthia Erivo won for Emilia Perez.
Q: Did Timothée Chalamet or Ariana Grande win an Oscar?
A: Neither won; Chalamet lost Best Actor, and Grande wasn’t nominated.
Q: How many Oscars did Wicked win?
A: Two: Best Costume Design and Best Original Song.
Q: Where can I watch the Oscars 2025 outside the U.S.?
A: Use VPN services for Hulu or check local broadcasters like Sky Cinema (UK) or Stan (Australia).
- Who won Best Actress 2025?
Cynthia Erivo took home the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Perez . - What channel is the Oscars on?
The Oscars aired live on ABC. Viewers could also stream it via ABC.com or Hulu Live TV. - Did Wicked win any Oscars?
Yes, Wicked won three Oscars, including Best Costume Design and Best Original Song. - How to watch the Oscars 2025 online?
Stream the Oscars 2025 on ABC.com, Hulu Live TV, or other authorized platforms. - What time does the Oscars start?
The Oscars 2025 began at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. - Who has won the most Oscars?
Walt Disney holds the record for the most Oscars, with 22 competitive wins. - What is the order of Oscar awards?
The ceremony typically follows a structured format, starting with technical awards and culminating with Best Picture. - Where are the Oscars held?
The Oscars 2025 took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. - Can I watch the Oscars on Disney+?
Unfortunately, the Oscars are not available on Disney+. However, ABC remains the exclusive broadcaster. - What did Emilia Perez win at the Oscars?
Emilia Perez won two Oscars, including Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo) and Best Editing
- Academy Awards Official Site – Full list of 2025 Oscar winners.
- Variety – Analysis of Cynthia Erivo’s historic win.
- Rotten Tomatoes – Ratings for The Last Horizon.
- IMDb – Profiles of Best Actor nominees 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter – Behind-the-scenes at the 97th Oscars.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Oscars balanced nostalgia with bold strides toward inclusivity, celebrating diverse stories and fresh talent. As streaming platforms expand access to the ceremony, the Academy’s evolution continues to mirror the changing landscape of global cinema. For now, The Last Horizon and Cynthia Erivo’s triumph will dominate conversations—until next year’s race begins.
