Oscars 2025: Top moments from the night according to social media

• March 3, 2025

The 97th annual Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2. Conan O’Brien hosted the show for the first time in Oscar’s history. Here are some of the top moments that got people talking on social media.

Memorable performances between awards

The Oscars kicked off with a medley of songs performed by “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Rumors about the performance had been circulating online for weeks, and the combination of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” from the “Wizard of Oz,” “Home” from “The Wiz” and “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” definitely exceeded expectations.

There was another medley of the night featuring popstars Lisa of k-pop group Blackpink, Doja Cat and Raye performing some of the lead tracks from the James Bond franchise “Live and Let Die,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Skyfall.”

“The Wiz” made a splash later in the show when Queen Latifah performed “Ease on Down the Road” to honor the late Quincy Jones who was the music producer for the film.

The comedian’s get the last laugh

From the moment Conan O’Brien took the stage for his opening monologue, it was apparent to both viewers at home and those inside the Dolby Theatre that the crowd was on his side and ready to laugh. He came through with what many have come to expect from comedians who host award shows: some edgy jokes here and there, poking fun at the nominees, and setting up what viewers can expect for the evening.

He provided a few more fun bits throughout the show, including a PR pivot to bring people back to movie theaters by pitching it as “CinemaStreams.” The sketch had O’Brien selling movie watchers on the concept of a “building for movies,” telling them, “we took 800 smartphones and glued them all together and made one giant smartphone.” The video also included a surprise cameo from director Martin Scorsese who ended the bit by telling potential customers to “Tell them Marty sent you.”

But O’Brien wasn’t the only star to get major laughs throughout the evening. “Saturday Night Live” and “Wicked” star Bowen Yang was one of five actors to present the best costume design category, but unlike his fellow presenters, he was the only one to do so in the costume from the film. Yang joked with fellow presenters, including John Lithgow, that they could have informed him in the group chat ahead of time that they had all decided to bail on the idea.

SEE ALSO: Oscars 2025: Kieran Culkin wins first award, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo pay ‘Oz’ tribute

Historical wins

Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the best costume design category for his work in “Wicked.” Zoe Saldana became the first Dominican-American actor to win an Academy Award after winning best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Perez.” “I’m Still Here,” won best international film, giving Brazil’s first Oscar win in the category.

When Harry reunited with Sally

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan of “When Harry Met Sally” reunited on the Dolby Theatre stage to present the final award of the night, Best Picture. Crystal even made a nod to the film by putting a fun spin on one of its famous lines, “because when you have a chance to be an Oscar winner for the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Unexpected win leaves viewers feeling robbed

Throughout this year’s award season, Demi Moore has taken a few of the best actress category awards for her role in “The Substance,” leaving many to think that she was a shoo-in for the Academy Award. However, the award went to breakout star Mikey Madison for her role in “Anora.”

Madison expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech, sharing that she “grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here standing in this room today is really incredible.”

Many viewers expressed mixed feelings online, with one user stating “Look, OK….I Love Mickey Madison, but DEMI MOORE WAS ROBBED.” Another user chimed in with a more optimistic view, “On the bright side Demi Moore won many awards this season and she got introduced to a new younger audience of people and I’m really hoping good scripts stack up on her desk and she just keeps getting amazing opportunities!”

​ Orange County Register 

Oscars 2025: ‘Anora’ wins big with 5 Oscars including best picture, actress and director

• March 3, 2025

“Anora,” the dark romantic comedy about a Brighton Beach stripper who falls for the unreliable son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday scoring five of its six nominations, including best picture, best director for Sean Baker, and best actress for Mikey Madison.

The independent film, made for $6 million, carried Baker to a new Oscar record as the first person ever to have four individual wins for one film in a single year. In addition to best picture and best director, Baker also won Oscars for best editing and best original screenplay.

“The Brutalist” won three Oscars including best actor for Adrien Brody as well as Oscars for cinematography and original score. “Emilia Perez,” “Dune Part 2,” and “Wicked” each won two Oscars in various categories.

“Anora” also set a less-welcome Oscar record. With just over $15 million in its theatrical release, it becomes the best picture winner with the lowest box office totals in Oscar history.

“We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love the movies,” Baker said after winning for best director. “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the theater.

“At a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever,” he continued. “Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen. I know I will. Distributors, please focus first and foremost on the theatrical releases. Parents, introduce your children to movies in movie theaters, and you’ll be molding the next generation of moviegoers.”

Baker also thanked director Quentin Tarantino, who presented the best director category, for casting “Anora” star Mikey Madison in his 2019 film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

Madison, who until then was mostly known for her run on the FX series “Better Things,” turns 26 later in March and seemed a little in shock at besting Demi Moore, who’d won many of the precursor honors, and the other actresses in her category.

“Wow, this is very surreal,” she said as she unfolded a speech from which to remember all her thanks. “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me.”

Adrien Brody’s best actor win for “The Brutalist” is his second best actor Oscar after winning in 2003 for “The Pianist.” In both films, his character was a Jewish man struggling to survive the Holocaust and its aftermath, something he noted in his acceptance.

“I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of systemic oppression and of antisemitism and racism,” Brody said after waving off the orchestra as it started to play him off. “I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

​ Orange County Register 

Clippers fall to surging Lakers as offense sputters

• March 3, 2025

LOS ANGELES — The bad news started hours before Sunday’s game when the Clippers announced that starting forward Derrick Jones Jr. and Ben Simmons weren’t playing. Then, the situation got worse after the opening tip.

Starting Norman Powell, who returned to the court after missing five games because of a balky left knee, headed to the locker room after nine minutes because of a sore right hamstring. He didn’t return.

Guard Kris Dunn, who was coming off a strong defensive performance Sunday against the Lakers, picked up his third foul six minutes into the game. He didn’t play again until the third quarter. Adding to the Clippers’ misery were the number of open-look 3-pointers the Lakers buried; they made seven of their first 10 long-range shots in the first 12 minutes.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the second quarter happened. The Clippers did not score a basket or free throw in the final 7:35 of the first half, putting them into a hole too big to overcome despite some strong play at the end, and they lost to the Lakers 108-102 at Crypto.com Arena.

It was that kind of night again for the Clippers (32-28), who now have lost five of six games since the All-Star break. They couldn’t contain Lakers star Luka Doncic, who scored 29 points on 9-of-17 shooting and had nine assists, six rebounds and two steals.

They gave up 19 points to Dalton Knecht, who made 5 of 8 3-pointers in place of injured Austin Reaves, and another 17 points to the team’s other superstar, LeBron James.

Still, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue took a positive view of the team’s second consecutive loss to the Lakers and third this season. He said he liked the Clippers’ shot selection even if it didn’t result in a score, especially from the perimeter.

The Clippers made 12 of 39 long-range shots and shot 43.7% overall.

“(We took) a lot of good shots that we just didn’t make, and we haven’t been making,” Lue said. “And so just taking shots with confidence, teams are going to leave guys and over help, then we just got to make the right play and trust. I think we’ve been doing that.

“When we’re shooting between 35, 40 3’s, that means we’re sharing the basketball, making the right play, and now we’re just not making shots right now.”

A number of those missed 3’s were crucial down the stretch.

The Clippers had battled back from a 21-point deficit late in the third quarter to pull within five, 93-88, with 7:52 left in the game. After James hit a 3-pointer, Kawhi Leonard missed a 3 that would have kept the margin to single digits.

“I thought we did a good job, but during that stretch where they went up 21, like I said, we missed shots, we didn’t get back in transition,” Lue said. “And then what killed us tonight was the offensive rebounds. We didn’t rebound the basketball. I think we cut the five like six minutes, then you give ’em four offensive rebounds, four chances at it, and LeBron makes a big three. And so those are things we’ve been talking about all season. And what you got to keep grinding with it.”

Yet it was the Lakers who kept grinding and pushed their lead back to 11 on three free throws by Doncic less than two minutes later.

Trailing 105-96, Dunn missed two 23-foot shots sandwiched around Doncic’s fadeaway bank shot as the Lakers led 107-96. The Clippers finally found their stroke, connecting on back-to-back 3-pointers by Bogdan Bogdanovic and Leonard to pull within five at 107-102.

Then it was over. The Clippers missed five more shots before the final buzzer.

“It’s a make or miss league,” James Harden said. “You make shots, you get yourself a chance, you miss shots. It’s a little bit tougher. … you make shots, and it’s a different ball game.”

Lost amid the missed shots and opportunities was the play of Leonard, who had a season-high 33 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes.

Dunn added 15 points and four assists, and Ivica Zubac chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds. Harden had another off night, scoring 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting and 2-of-9 from the 3-point range.

​ Orange County Register 

Beloved Big Bear Valley eagles could soon welcome another chick

• March 3, 2025

Big Bear Valley’s beloved eagle pair Jackie and Shadow could be welcoming another chick into their family soon.

Friends of Big Bear Valley announced on social media that one of the eagle pair’s eggs had pipped, or cracked in the hatching process, at 3:09 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Jackie and Shadow’s last chick, Spirit, pipped exactly three years ago Sunday.

If the hatching process is successful, it may take a day or more for the new chick to fully emerge from its shell.

“Meanwhile, we will remain patient and hold the most positive thoughts,” Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote on Facebook.

For fans of Jackie and Shadow who are waiting with anticipation, the organization has two web cams that broadcast a 24-hour livestream of the eagles’ nest.

In January, Jackie, the female of the pair, delivered three eggs. It was the second consecutive year that Jackie and Shadow had welcomed a three-egg clutch.

Jackie’s eggs have historically hatched 38 to 39 days after they were delivered, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Followers of the eagle pair and their eggs cheered the news on Sunday.

“Congratulations!” one Facebook user said. “Sending speedy pipping and energy for these three sweet babies to emerge healthy and ready to thrive!”

​ Orange County Register 

Oscars 2025: ‘No Other Land’ filmmakers plead for peace after documentary win

• March 3, 2025

“No Other Land,” a documentary made by a quartet of Israeli and Palestinian activist filmmakers, won the Oscar for best documentary feature at the Academy Awards, leading to one of the most passionate and political speeches of the night.

The film, which examines the forced displacement of Basel Adra, one of the four filmmakers, from his home in the West Bank, has not yet found distribution despite widespread critical acclaim.

“About two months ago, I became a father, and I hope to my daughter, she will not have to live the same life I am now,” Adra said. “Always fearing violence, home demolition, and displacement my community is facing every day.

“We call on the world to take serious actions and to stop the unjust ethnic cleansing,” he said.

His collaborator, Yuval Abraham, who befriended Adra and has helped him fight for his and his community’s rights, said they, along with Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor, made “No Other Land” because “together our voices are stronger.”

“There is a different path, a political solution, without ethnic supremacy, with national rights,” Abraham said. “And I have to say the foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path. Why can’t you see that we are intertwined? That my people can be truly safe only if Basal’s people are truly safe.

“There is another way; it’s not too late,” he said.

“Dune 2” later picked up a pair of Oscars in technical categories, winning for best sound and best special effects.

And that wasn’t the only recurring presence by “Dune 2,” as Conan O’Brien brought back the piano-playing sandworm to play harp with the Oscar orchestra. You don’t go to the trouble to make a sandworm costume without making sure to use it at least twice, O’Brien noted.

​ Orange County Register 

Oscars 2025: Zoe Saldana and Paul Tazewell score historic Oscar wins

• March 3, 2025

Zoe Saldana took the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Perez,” becoming, as she noted in her speech, the first Dominican American actor to win an Academy Award.

“Mami! Mami! My mom is here, my whole family is here,” Saldana cried as she reached the stage to accept the Oscar from Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who won the same honor a year ago. “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita.

“Everything brave, outrageous and good that I’ve ever done in my life is due to you,” Saldana said, speaking of and to her family again. “My grandmother came to this country 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,” she said.

“El Mal,” one of Saldana’s songs in “Emilia Perez,” later won the Oscar for best original song.

Moments earlier, Sean Baker won his second Oscar for “Anora,” this one for editing after also winning for best original screenplay.

“I truly appreciate the recognition for this because God, if you saw that footage, I saved this film in the edit, trust me,” said Baker, who in addition to writing and co-producing “Anora” is also its director. “That director should never work again.”

In winning best original screenplay, Baker’s thanks extended to “the sex worker community” – Anora is a dancer in a club. “They have shared their stories. They have shared their life experiences with me over the years. My deepest respect.”

The Oscar for adapted screenplay went to Peter Straughan for writing “Conclave,” while other Oscars in the first half of the show include “Flow,” the first-ever Latvian Oscar nominee, for best animated feature, while Paul Tazewell became the first Black man ever to win the Oscar for costume design for his work on “Wicked.”

The James Bond franchise wasn’t nominated for anything at the Academy Awards, but that didn’t mean our favorite spy didn’t get his moment in the spotlight at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday.

Its producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were presented with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the recent Governors Awards, and after presenter Halle Berry acknowledged them and the other recipients of Governors Awards, the show shifted into a celebration of Bond and the music of the long-running film franchise.

Actress Margaret Qualley of “The Substance,” which moments earlier won the Oscar for best makeup and hair, danced on stage with a troupe of tuxedo-clad 007s before a trio of pop stars took turns in a medley of Bond theme songs.

Blackpink’s Lisa, currently starring in HBO’s “White Lotus,” opened with “Live and Let Die.” She was followed by Doja Cat singing “Diamonds Are Forever.” The tribute wrapped with Raye doing “Skyfall,” which, if we were reviewing this as a concert, would be the standout performance of the whole thing.

​ Orange County Register 

‘No Other Land’ wins Oscar for best documentary

• March 3, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “No Other Land,” the story of Palestinian activists fighting to protect their communities from demolition by the Israeli military, won the Oscar for best documentary on Sunday.

The collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers follows activist Basel Adra as he risks arrest to document the destruction of his hometown, which Israeli soldiers are tearing down to use as a military training zone, at the southern edge of the West Bank. Adra’s pleas fall on deaf ears until he befriends a Jewish Israeli journalist who helps him amplify his story.

“About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now, always fearing settlers, violence, home demolitions and forcible displacements,” said Adra.

“No Other Land” came into the night a top contender after a successful run on the film festival circuit. It did not, however, find a U.S. distributor after being picked up for distribution in 24 countries. For the Oscar, it beat out “Porcelain War,” “Sugarcane,” “Black Box Diaries” and “Soundtrack to a Coup d’État.”

The documentary was filmed over four years between 2019 and 2023, wrapping production days before Hamas launched its deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel that started the war in Gaza.

In the film, Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham embeds in a community fighting displacement, but he faces some pushback from Palestinians who point out his privileges as an Israeli citizen. Adra says he is unable to leave the West Bank and is treated like a criminal, while Abraham can come and go freely.

The film is heavily reliant on camcorder footage from Adra’s personal archive. He captures Israeli soldiers bulldozing the village school and filling water wells with cement to prevent people from rebuilding.

Residents of the small, rugged region of Masafer Yatta band together after Adra films an Israeli soldier shooting a local man who is protesting the demolition of his home. The man becomes paralyzed, and his mother struggles to take care of him while living in a cave.

​ Orange County Register 

JSerra, Santa Margarita and Los Alamitos among home teams in first round of CIF regional boys basketball playoffs

• March 3, 2025

Los Alamitos, JSerra and Santa Margarita have first-round home games Tuesday in the CIF Southern California Regional Division I playoffs

Fairmont Prep, the CIF-SS Division 2AA champion, will play at Carlsbad on Tuesday in a Division I first-round game. CIF-SS Division I champion Los Alamitos is home against Cathedral Catholic in another Division I game Tuesday.

Four other Orange County teams also play Division I first-round games Tuesday.

Pacifica Christian, which lost to Fairmont Prep 64-60 in the CIF-SS 2AA final, plays at Redondo, which was a CIF-SS Open Division playoff team.

Crean Lutheran, which lost to Los Alamitos in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals, plays at Mira Costa, which lost to Los Alamitos 63-60 in the CIF-SS Division 1 championship game Saturday.

Santa Margarita, a CIF-SS Open Division team, is at home against Torrey Pines, and JSerra, also a CIF-SS Open Division team, is home against San Marcos.

CIF-SS Division 2A semifinalist Irvine is at Francis Parker of San Diego in the Division II first round Tuesday.

Sage Hill, which lost in the CIF-SS Division 3AA championship game Saturday, is home against Birmingham of the CIF Los Angeles City Section.

CIF-SS Division 4AA champion Santiago is at home Tuesday against Bernstein of the L.A. City Section in a Division IV first-round game.

Pacifica, which lost to Santiago in the CIF-SS 4AA semifinals, is at Maranatha Christian of San Diego in the Division IV first round Tuesday.

Saddleback, a CIF-SS 5A semifinalist, plays at Pacific Ridge of Carlsbad in a Division V first-round game Tuesday.

The CIF Southern California Regional playoffs have four round that runs concurrently with the CIF Northern California Regional playoffs.

Southern California Regional dates are Tuesday for the first round in Divisions I-V and on Wednesday for the first round in the Open Division and in Division VI.

The second round for Divisions I-V is Thursday. The semifinals for all divisions are Saturday, March 8, followed by SoCal Regional championship games on March 11.

All games are to be played at the gyms of the home teams at 7 p.m., including regional championship games.

Southern California Regional champions and Northern California Regional champions meet in the CIF State finals on March 14 and 15 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Admission to SoCal Regional games is $5 for children and students and $9 for adults for the first two rounds and the semifinals. Admission for regional finals is $8 for children and students and $12 for adults.

GoFan.co is the exclusive seller of tickets for CIF Southern California Regional basketball.

​ Orange County Register