Highlights from the 2025 Oscars: Surprises, stylish Brits, and Kieran Culkin’s misstep.

Small Budgets Win Big at the Oscars

The Oscars have shown a growing appreciation for smaller films over the years. A great example is the 2017 win of “Moonlight,” which had a budget of just about $1.5 million. This trend continued with more recent films like “Coda,” which cost $10 million, “Parasite” at $11 million, and “Nomadland,” which was made for only $5 million. While big blockbusters like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” garnered nominations, they mostly took home technical awards. Instead, films such as “Anora,” which had a budget of $6 million, “The Brutalist” at $10 million, and “A Real Pain,” which cost $3 million, won the significant awards. This year, the focus on indie filmmaking highlighted how smaller projects are able to compete with their higher-budget counterparts effectively. — Benjamin Lee

Bob Dylan’s Absence Was Telling

As the Oscars ceremony continued, there wasn’t a clear frontrunner for awards. While many films, such as “The Brutalist” and “A Complete Unknown,” received attention, they didn’t secure major wins. Interestingly, “A Complete Unknown,” a music biopic, missed out on accolades, possibly due to the Academy’s indifference towards music-related themes. This year also highlighted a diverse range of genres competing for recognition, which may have diluted the impact of films like “A Complete Unknown.” Throughout the night, the sense that each film was sharing the spotlight was evident, but the absence of a consensus favorite kept the energy of the event uncertain. — Gwilym Mumford

The Ongoing Shadow of Harvey Weinstein

Though Donald Trump was not mentioned, the shadow of Harvey Weinstein still loomed large at the Oscars. During his acceptance speech for Best Actor, Adrien Brody acknowledged his relationship with Weinstein’s ex-wife, Georgina Chapman. Brody expressed gratitude for her family’s support, signaling an acceptance of his controversial past. The nod to Weinstein and his children sat awkwardly within the celebratory nature of the event, reminding the audience that the Oscars are not free from historical baggage. — Catherine Shoard

Memorial Segment Overlooked Tony Todd

The Oscars’ “In Memoriam” segment is often a poignant moment, but this year there were notable omissions. While stars like Michelle Trachtenberg were left out, many were surprised that Tony Todd, known for his role in “Candyman,” did not make the list. With this oversight, the Academy’s critics were quick to point out once again its tendency to overlook contributions from genre films that have left lasting impressions on audiences. — Catherine Shoard

Streaming Takes a Hit

This year was expected to be marked by the Oscars’ increased presence on streaming platforms, particularly with Hulu hosting the broadcast. However, technical difficulties plagued the event, including issues that disrupted the livestream. These glitches forced viewers to scramble for alternative ways to watch pivotal moments, heavily impacting the overall experience. Key films like Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” did not live up to expectations, winning only two awards despite 13 nominations. This year’s ceremonies highlighted the challenges still facing the integration of traditional awards with the modern streaming landscape. — Adrian Horton

Adrien Brody Overshadows with Acceptance Speech

In a mix of tradition and humor, Best Actor winner Adrien Brody managed to bend the rules surrounding acceptance speeches. While recipients typically have a limited time to speak, he managed to extend his speech, pleading for more time. This playful negotiation added a light touch to the event, where other winners were playfully cut off during their speeches. Brody’s moment highlighted the often-unspoken hierarchy present at awards shows, leading to both laughs and a reminder of the dynamics at play. — Sian Cain

Madcap Doesn’t Always Mean Fun

This year’s show featured Conan O’Brien’s return as host, injecting a more whimsical approach into the proceedings. While his quirky musical interludes and offbeat humor aimed to lighten the mood, some of these moments didn’t land as intended. Compared to last year’s lively spectacle, this year’s ceremony felt more subdued, although O’Brien’s unique brand of comedy still managed to entertain the audience with unexpected moments, including a backdrop of a sandworm playing piano. — Sian Cain

Horror Genre Faces Disappointment

Despite earlier signs of recognition for the horror genre, this year’s Oscars were disheartening. “The Substance,” a horror film that garnered five nominations, came away with just one award for makeup and hairstyling. Stars like Demi Moore were expected to be strong contenders, but ultimately they lost out to more traditional choices. This reflected a continuing bias against horror films in major award categories, despite their recent popularity in mainstream cinema. — Benjamin Lee

The Return of the Ingenue

This year’s awards festivities hinted at a return of the “ingenue” in the Best Actress category, after an era where older women dominated. Mikey Madison emerged as the youngest winner in several years, sparking discussions about the changing landscape of this category. The mix of younger and older talents competing for top honors could signal a shift in recognition that celebrates diverse narratives of women across various age groups. — Benjamin Lee

Oscar Fairytales Turn Nightmarish

The night was not without its disappointments, particularly for newcomers and those with compelling stories. While Mikey Madison’s performance shone in “Anora,” Demi Moore’s candidacy for “The Substance” left many wishing for her victorious return. Meanwhile, the promising story of Karla Sofía Gascón, the first transgender actor nominated, was overshadowed by past controversies, leaving a bittersweet note to an otherwise starry evening. — Sian Cain

Kieran Culkin’s Big Moment

Kieran Culkin accepted the Best Supporting Actor award with charm and wit, often emphasized through anecdotes that felt both personal and relatable. However, a repeated mention of family obligations garnered mixed reactions, showcasing the balancing act of humor and sincerity that often comes with the pressure of the spotlight. This moment was viewed as part of a broader trend where award winners straddle the line between showmanship and genuine emotion. — Gwilym Mumford

British Winners Remain Classy

This year, British winners brought a refreshing simplicity to their acceptance speeches, keeping it authentic and sincere. With many first-time winners, their heartfelt thanks to families and friends, combined with a straightforward approach, stood in contrast to more theatrical moments, reminding viewers of the significance of humility even at such grand events. — Dee Jefferson

Conclave Misses Golden Opportunity

Despite being a respected adaptation of a well-known novel, “Conclave” failed to make a significant impact on the awards scene, securing only a single win for Best Adapted Screenplay. The general consensus is that its traditional approach may not have appealed to a younger, more diverse voting body looking for innovative narratives. This highlights the ongoing evolution in Oscar considerations, as audiences and voters seek fresh and diverse storytelling. — Benjamin Lee