Oscars Key Moments: Saldaña’s Win, ‘Oz’ Opening, Culkin’s Baby Wish/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 97th Academy Awards delivered unforgettable moments, from Zoe Saldaña’s tearful win to an extravagant ‘Wizard of Oz’ opening number and Kieran Culkin’s very public family planning discussion. Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ dominated the night, winning Best Picture and four other Oscars, including Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody joined the ranks of two-time Best Actor winners, firefighters who battled recent Los Angeles wildfires received a standing ovation, and Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Gene Hackman.
Quick Look
- Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Win – Saldaña became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, delivering an emotional speech about her immigrant roots.
- ‘Wicked’ and ‘Oz’ Opening Performance – Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the night with a musical tribute to “The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked.”
- Kieran Culkin’s Baby Wish – Culkin jokingly reminded his wife of their deal to have more children if he won an Oscar.
- James Bond Tribute – Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye performed iconic Bond theme songs in honor of the franchise’s transition to Amazon.
- Gene Hackman Honored – Morgan Freeman led an emotional tribute to the late actor during the in memoriam segment.
- Adrien Brody vs. Wrap-Up Music – Brody, winning his second Oscar, firmly told producers to stop playing him off, asserting, “It’s not my first rodeo.”
Oscars Key Moments: Saldaña’s Win, ‘Oz’ Opening, Culkin’s Baby Wish
Standout Moments from the Oscars
Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez may have been expected, but her heartfelt speech left the audience deeply moved.
She dedicated her win to her family and immigrant roots, recalling how her grandmother emigrated to the U.S. in 1961.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands. I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
Saldaña also emphasized the significance of her role in Emilia Pérez, which allowed her to act, sing, and speak in Spanish on the world’s biggest stage.
“If my grandmother were here, she would be so delighted. This is for her.”
A ‘Wicked’ and ‘Wizard of Oz’ Opening Number
Instead of a traditional monologue, host Conan O’Brien stepped aside for an 8-minute musical extravaganza.
- Ariana Grande (in a sparkling red dress) sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
- Cynthia Erivo delivered a stunning rendition of “Home” from The Wiz
- The two then joined forces for “Defying Gravity” from Wicked
The performance paid tribute to Los Angeles, with a montage of classic LA-set films closing the segment.
O’Brien eventually made his entrance in a comedic bit inspired by Demi Moore’s ‘The Substance,’ crawling onto the stage while searching for his missing shoe.
Kieran Culkin Doubles Down on His Baby Request
After asking his wife for another child during his Emmy win, Kieran Culkin used his Best Supporting Actor speech to up the ante.
He revealed that he and his wife, Jazz Charton, made a deal in the parking lot of the Emmys:
“If I won an Oscar, she’d give me a third. And maybe even a fourth. We even shook on it.”
Turning to the camera, he addressed Charton directly:
“No pressure, I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. Now let’s get cracking on those kids, what do you say?”
Later in the night, Oscar-winning director Victoria Warmerdam had a response:
“To my producer and partner in life, Trent: I’m not having your babies because of this statue.”
James Bond Gets a Musical Tribute
Even without a new James Bond movie, the Oscars devoted a lengthy segment to 007—coinciding with Amazon MGM’s takeover of the franchise.
Three powerhouse singers paid tribute to classic Bond themes:
- Lisa performed “Live and Let Die”
- Doja Cat took on “Diamonds Are Forever”
- Raye delivered “Skyfall”
The segment was capped off by Halle Berry thanking longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are stepping back after decades in charge.
Morgan Freeman Honors Gene Hackman
The In Memoriam segment opened with Morgan Freeman delivering a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend Gene Hackman, who passed away last week.
“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.”
Freeman, who co-starred with Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, recalled Hackman’s humility:
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
A separate tribute was dedicated to Quincy Jones for his contributions to cinema.
Adrien Brody Silences the Wrap-Up Music
Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for ‘The Brutalist’, refused to be rushed offstage.
When the wrap-up music started, he turned directly to the camera and said:
“I’m wrapping up, please turn the music off. I’ve done this before.”
Brody’s previous Oscar win in 2003 for The Pianist had also included a memorable moment, when he stopped the orchestra mid-speech:
“One second, please. I got one shot at this.”
This time, he didn’t have to plead—his stern delivery got the music cut immediately.
Final Thoughts
The 97th Academy Awards delivered a memorable night of film history, emotional speeches, and humor.
Biggest Highlights:
- Zoe Saldaña made history with her Best Supporting Actress win
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s musical opening dazzled the audience
- Kieran Culkin’s baby request became the show’s running joke
- Morgan Freeman’s tribute to Gene Hackman left many in tears
- Adrien Brody shut down the orchestra, proving he knows how to command the stage
With Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ sweeping the night, the ceremony reinforced that independent cinema still holds power in Hollywood.
Now, the industry looks ahead—will next year’s Oscars be just as unpredictable and entertaining?
What was your favorite Oscars moment?
Did Zoe Saldaña’s speech move you? Were you amused by Kieran Culkin’s baby deal? Or was Adrien Brody’s speech the best moment of the night?
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