The 2025 Oscars, held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, lived up to expectations, with predictable wins, but the unexpected twists stole the spotlight.
The night kept viewers glued to their seats from stunning upsets to jaw-dropping snubs. Here’s a rundown of the biggest surprises that defined this unforgettable Academy Awards ceremony.
Animated Feature Upset: Flow Outshines The Wild Robot
The Best Animated Feature race delivered an early bombshell. Disney-Pixar’s Inside Out 2, a heavy favorite, lost to Latvia’s Flow, which also edged out The Wild Robot. Despite The Wild Robot’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and star turns from Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, Flow’s charming animal tale clinched Latvia’s first Oscar. Fans of The Wild Robot felt the sting of this snub, making it one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
‘FLOW’ has won Best Animated Film at the #Oscars
See the full winners list: https://t.co/cDPncK6OIM pic.twitter.com/CtLaxO0c2O
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 3, 2025Sean Baker’s Anora Tops Conclave
In a historic twist, Sean Baker won Best Editing for Anora, becoming only the third director—after Alfonso Cuarón and James Cameron—to claim this prize. Conclave, a strong contender, couldn’t compete with Baker’s multi-talented flair. This win bolstered Anora’s dominance at the 2025 Oscars, proving Baker’s editing chops were as sharp as his directing vision.
International Feature Surprise: I’m Still Here Beats Emilia Pérez
The Best International Feature category saw another upset. Emilia Pérez, with 13 nominations and massive buzz, fell to I’m Still Here. Fernanda Torres’ standout performance in the underdog film swayed voters, despite Emilia Pérez’s season-long momentum. The loss sparked debate, with some questioning the Academy’s choice amid Emilia Pérez’s controversial reception.
Best Actress Stunner: Mikey Madison Over Demi Moore
The night’s biggest shocker? Mikey Madison snagging Best Actress for Anora, toppling frontrunner Demi Moore. A veteran of Golden Globe and SAG wins, Moore seemed unbeatable until Madison’s raw performance stole the show. This career-defining victory at the 2025 Oscars sent ripples through Hollywood, marking Madison as a rising star.
Best Actress winner Mikey Madison at the 97th #Oscars
Photo Credit: Roger Kisby pic.twitter.com/jxmC7UH1fF
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025These upsets and snubs prove the 2025 Oscars still pack surprises. From Flow’s animated win to Madison’s stunning rise, the night reminded us that predictability isn’t guaranteed. What’s next for the Academy Awards? One thing’s clear: the thrill of the unexpected keeps us watching.
