The 2025 Oscars opened with top performances, emotional moments and confusing incidents. There were many notable highlights in this year’s awards ceremony.

Memorable moments

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s opening performance brought a spectacular start to the 2025 Oscars. Grande appeared in a bright red dress, singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow , followed immediately by Erivo with Home . When the two held hands and sang the classic high notes of Defying Gravity , the audience almost exploded.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo “fly high” with the Wicked soundtrack. Photo: Getty.© Tien Phong

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo “fly high” with the Wicked soundtrack. Photo: Getty.

Despite not being nominated, Adam Sandler still stole the spotlight at the awards ceremony. Appearing in the crowd in a hoodie and sports shorts, Sandler immediately became a “victim” of host Conan O’Brien: “You look like you’re playing poker at 2 o’clock.” Adam Sandler pretended to be angry and left the audience, but not before inviting everyone to go out to play basketball.

Adam Sandler at the Oscars. Photo: Shutterstock.© Tien Phong

Adam Sandler at the Oscars. Photo: Shutterstock.

Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain , did not forget to thank his wife, Jazz Charton. But what made the audience laugh was the story he revealed on stage: “Last year, I said if I won an Emmy, my wife would give me a third child. She agreed because she thought I wouldn’t win. Then I said I wanted four children, and she said, ‘You can only have a fourth child if you win an Oscar.’” And now that the golden statuette is in his hands, Culkin did not miss the opportunity to repeat his promise.

Kieran Culkin revealed his desire to have four children on stage. Photo: Getty.© Tien Phong

Kieran Culkin revealed his desire to have four children on stage. Photo: Getty.

After the formal honors for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Conan O’Brien invited them on stage… to tell a joke! One of the most memorable jokes: “Our condolences to everyone who lost their homes – I mean the producers of Joker 2.” This meaningful and humorous tribute had the entire audience laughing.

Controversial moment

While millions of people around the world watched the Oscars, some viewers in the US were unable to watch due to a system error on Hulu. According to DownDetector, more than 30,000 people were affected. The fact that a major streaming platform like Hulu “crashed” on Hollywood’s most important night was a huge shock to many.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the 60th anniversary tribute to James Bond featuring Lisa (Blackpink), Doja Cat, and Raye left the audience confused. Although the video summarizing the history of 007 was quite reasonable, it was immediately followed by Margaret Qualley suddenly dancing on stage, Lisa flying down from the ceiling, and then Doja Cat and Raye singing the Bond theme song one after another.

The James Bond tribute was considered the most confusing and worst of the 2025 Oscars, according to Entertainment Weekly.© Tien Phong

Tien PhongThe James Bond tribute was considered the most confusing and worst of the 2025 Oscars, according to Entertainment Weekly.1 The James Bond tribute was considered the most confusing and worst of the 2025 Oscars, according to Entertainment Weekly.© Tien Phong

The James Bond tribute was considered the most confusing and worst of the 2025 Oscars, according to Entertainment Weekly.

It’s worth noting that this year’s show cut back on performances from the Best Original Song nominees, leaving many wondering, “Why spend time on this instead of the nominated songs?”