Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Tuesday, 04 Feb 2025
The Oscars 2024 had everything—glitz, surprises, and unforgettable performances. From Mikey Madison’s surprise Best Actress win to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande defying gravity, here are the standout moments from Hollywood’s biggest night.
Mikey Madison’s Surprise Best Actress Win
There was an audible gasp in the winners’ room when Mikey Madison was announced as the Best Actress winner for her role in Anora. Despite Demi Moore being the favorite, Madison’s Bafta win had hinted at a potential upset.
Her win was a defining moment—a rags-to-riches story that the Oscars love to celebrate, reflecting the theme of her film Anora, which tells the story of a sex worker’s ill-fated romance with a Russian oligarch’s son.
Anora’s Impact on Representation
Anora winning Best Picture was historic. Edie Turquet, a dancer in the film, called it “insane” that a film about sex workers won at the Oscars, hoping it would challenge societal perspectives on the community.
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Defy Gravity
As anticipated, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered an electrifying performance of Wicked’s iconic anthem, Defying Gravity. Erivo, in a stunning white gown, received a standing ovation for her breathtaking vocals.
The duo also performed Somewhere Over the Rainbow, with Grande dazzling in a red sequined dress. Her champagne Schiaparelli gown on the red carpet sparked a viral moment, with fans wondering how she would sit down in it.
Halle Berry’s “Payback Kiss” with Adrien Brody
One of the night’s most talked-about moments was Halle Berry’s kiss with Adrien Brody, recreating their 2003 Oscars moment when Brody unexpectedly kissed Berry after winning Best Actor for The Pianist.
Berry told Variety: “I had to pay him back.” She also revealed that she ensured Brody’s girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, was comfortable with it before making the move.
Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner’s Oscars PDA
Inside the Dolby Theatre, lovebirds Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were photographed sharing a kiss and laughing. Jenner was there to support Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor but lost to Adrien Brody.
Adam Sandler’s Hilarious “Walkout” Moment
Known for his casual style, Adam Sandler played along with host Conan O’Brien’s jokes about his attire. Wearing a blue hoodie and shorts, he jokingly pretended to storm out of the event but instead walked over to Timothée Chalamet, shouting his surname in a nod to his famous Saturday Night Live skit.
Los Angeles Wildfires & Honoring Firefighters
The devastating LA wildfires, which claimed 29 lives, were subtly acknowledged at the ceremony. Firefighters who battled the blazes were invited on stage and received a standing ovation.
One of them, LA Fire Captain Erik Scott, read a joke from the teleprompter: “Our hearts go out to everyone who lost their homes – including the makers of Joker 2.” The joke earned the biggest laugh of the night.
Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Best Supporting Actress Speech
Winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, Zoe Saldaña gave one of the most heartfelt speeches of the night, immediately breaking down in tears and calling out “Mommy!” to her mother in the audience.
She praised her family, her Dominican immigrant roots, and how she was honored to be the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
Iranian Filmmakers’ Last-Minute Arrival & Big Win
After struggling to obtain US visas, Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani arrived in Los Angeles just hours before the ceremony, changed outfits in an airport restroom, and won Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress.
Molayemi, in his speech, said: “If we persevere and remain faithful, miracles will happen.”
Politics at the Oscars: Standing Up to a Powerful Russian
Host Conan O’Brien quipped that Anora winning Best Picture showed “Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” The comment was seen as a nod to the ongoing US-Ukraine political tensions.
Meanwhile, the No Other Land documentary team made a political statement by wearing Palestinian scarves on the red carpet and calling out US policies on stage.
Interestingly, Donald Trump’s name wasn’t mentioned even once throughout the night, a rare occurrence in recent Hollywood awards shows.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who won Best Actress at the Oscars 2024?
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her performance in Anora.
2. What movie won Best Picture at the Oscars 2024?
Anora won Best Picture, making history as a film about sex workers.
3. Who performed at the Oscars 2024?
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performed Defying Gravity from Wicked and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
4. What was the most viral moment at the Oscars 2024?
Halle Berry and Adrien Brody’s “payback kiss” recreated their famous 2003 Oscars moment.
5. What political statements were made at the Oscars 2024?
From Conan O’Brien’s Russia-Ukraine quip to the No Other Land team’s Palestinian scarves, politics played a role in the night’s discussions.
Conclusion
The Oscars 2024 was an unforgettable night filled with shocking wins, emotional speeches, and viral moments. From Mikey Madison’s breakthrough win to Wicked’s breathtaking performance, this year’s Academy Awards proved why it remains Hollywood’s biggest night.
Stay tuned for more post-Oscars analysis and reactions!
Also read: Chhaava Box Report: Vicky Kaushal’s Film Creates History, Earns Bumper Collection in 18 Days
