Quotes from the 2025 Oscars: A Night of Triumph and Transformation
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night filled with unforgettable moments, heartfelt speeches, and poignant tributes. From groundbreaking wins to emotional dedications, here are some of the most memorable quotes from the ceremony.
Zoe Saldaña: A Historic Win and a Tribute to Heritage
Zoe Saldaña made history by becoming the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award, taking home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez. In her emotional acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her family and dedicated the award to her grandmother:
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
Saldaña also revealed a symbolic gesture, stating that her Oscar statuette is “trans” and “goes by they/them,” aligning with the film’s themes of gender identity.
Adrien Brody: Reflecting on the Fragility of Fame
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the transient nature of fame and the importance of staying grounded:
“Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous—and at certain moments, it is. But the one thing that I’ve gained, having the privilege to come back here, is to have some perspective, and no matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away.”
Sean Baker: A Call to Preserve the Cinema Experience
Sean Baker, director of Anora, which won Best Picture and Best Director, used his platform to advocate for the preservation of the theatrical moviegoing experience:
“Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theatre. Watching a film in the theatre with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, perhaps sit in devastated silence together, and in a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever.”
Conan O’Brien: Humor with a Touch of Political Commentary
Host Conan O’Brien balanced humor with subtle political commentary throughout the evening. He joked about various films and even referenced Latvia’s first Oscar win, adding levity to the ceremony.
Tribute to Quincy Jones and Gene Hackman
The Oscars paid tribute to two legends: producer Quincy Jones and actor Gene Hackman. Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg introduced a joyful tribute to Jones, featuring 32 dancers and a performance of “Ease on Down the Road” by Queen Latifah.
Morgan Freeman honored Hackman, stating:
“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. He received two Oscars and more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
No Other Land: A Message of Solidarity
The filmmakers behind No Other Land, which won Best Documentary Feature, delivered a powerful message about the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. Co-director Basel Adra, who recently became a father, expressed hope for a better future:
“About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I am living now.”
The 2025 Oscars were a testament to the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the enduring impact of cinema. These quotes capture the essence of a night that celebrated both artistic achievement and social consciousness.
