At Grumpy Sharks, we reckon the Oscars are like a family reunion—glamorous, chaotic, and guaranteed to spark some chatter. The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, from jaw-dropping wins to viral red-carpet moments that lit up X. Picture this: Emilia Pérez sweeping major categories, Zendaya snagging Best Actress, and a surprise performance by Billie Eilish that left everyone misty-eyed.

But it wasn’t just glitz—X users roasted awkward presenter banter and debated snubs like Wicked’s shutout. We’re diving into the night’s highs, lows, and why it got everyone talking. From heartfelt speeches to fashion that broke the internet, this article unpacks the magic and mess of Hollywood’s biggest night. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s relive the moments that made Oscars 2025 one for the books.

#1. Adam Sandler in the Oscars audience

#2. Ariana Grande in awe watching Cynthia Erivo performance

#3. LISA took the stage during the James Bond tribute to perform “Live and Let Die”

#4. Sean Baker with his 4 Oscars

#5. ‘FLOW’ director Gints Zilbalodis celebrating his Oscar win at In-N-Out

Back in high school, one of us at Grumpy Sharks hosted an Oscars watch party—think cheap pizza, a laggy livestream, and everyone arguing over Slumdog Millionaire’s sweep. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re still that kid, heart racing when Billie Eilish took the stage for a surprise Wicked medley, even if the film got no love. The room—well, our group chat—erupted when Zendaya clutched her Oscar, thanking her mom mid-tears. It was like watching a friend win at life.

The red carpet’s bold looks, like Colman Domingo’s metallic suit, had us texting “ICON” at 2 a.m. That night felt like a time capsule, blending nostalgia with new memories. It’s why we’re still scrolling X, reliving every clapback and cheer from that starry evening.

#6. Conan O’Brien left a note and snacks under everyone’s seat at the Oscars

#7. John Lithgow looking ‘mildly disappointed’

#8. Jeff Goldblum spotted checking out his own red carpet pics

#9. Ariana Grande performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the Oscars

#10. Halle Berry walked up to Adrien Brody on the Oscars red carpet and kissed him, 22 years after their iconic Academy Award moment

Movies don’t just entertain—they shape us. A 2021 study from the University of Oxford found that watching emotionally engaging films can boost empathy by 20%, as stories let us walk in others’ shoes. Oscars 2025 nailed this, with Emilia Pérez’s raw take on identity and redemption dominating the night. X users praised its bold storytelling, with one post saying, “This is why we need movies that take risks.”

When winners like Karla Sofía Gascón shared personal stories on stage, it hit home, sparking X threads about representation. These moments aren’t just awards—they’re cultural touchstones that make us feel connected. The study suggests that shared viewing, even online, amps up our emotional response, which explains why X was flooded with reactions, from tears to memes.

#11. Colman Domingo and his husband Raúl Domingo at the Oscars

#12. Kieran Culkin and Robert Downey Jr. at the Oscars

#13. Ben Stiller’s awkward stage entrance

 

#14. Adrien Brody refuses to cut his speech

#15. Diane Warren’s losing streak continues

Ever get chills from an Oscar speech? It’s not just you—psychology says we’re wired for it. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley emotion researcher, notes that stories of triumph, like Zendaya’s nod to her family, trigger oxytocin, the “connection hormone.” When winners get vulnerable, we feel it too, like we’re part of their journey. X lit up when John Krasinski dedicated his win to his kids, with fans tweeting, “He’s just like us!”

These moments linger because they tap into universal hopes—success, gratitude, love. Even the flops, like a presenter’s cringey joke bombing, spark a collective groan that bonds us. It’s why Oscars night feels like a global campfire, where we’re all sharing the same emotional highs and lows, one speech at a time.

#16. The cat from ‘FLOW’ holding its Oscars 

Oscars 2025 left us at Grumpy Sharks starry-eyed and ready for more. From Emilia Pérez’s triumph to Zendaya’s tearjerker speech, it was a night that reminded us why we love movies. What was your favorite moment—Billie’s performance or a red-carpet slay? Drop a comment below or tag a friend to relive the magic. Share this article to keep the Oscars buzz going, and check out our deep dive on 2025’s best films for more cinematic love. Let’s keep celebrating the stories that light up our screens!