Quotes from the 2025 Oscars: A Night of Triumph and Transformation
What were the most powerful quotes from the 2025 Oscars, and why did they resonate with audiences and critics alike?
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.
Table of Contents
- Zoe Saldaña Makes History
- Adrien Brody on Fame
- Sean Baker’s Theater Message
- Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Highlights
- Tributes to Quincy Jones & Gene Hackman
- Documentary Speech That Moved the Audience
- Closing Reflections on the 2025 Oscars
- FAQ
- Author Bio
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.
Key Takeaways:
- Zoe Saldaña made history with a powerful, heritage-rooted acceptance speech.
- Adrien Brody reflected on fame’s fragility with humility and wisdom.
- Sean Baker championed the communal power of theaters.
- Conan O’Brien’s hosting balanced humor and sharp cultural commentary.
- Tributes honored Quincy Jones and Gene Hackman, reinforcing legacy themes.
- The documentary No Other Land carried a human rights message that resonated deeply.
- The 2025 Oscars emphasized both cinematic excellence and global empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2025 Oscars Quotes & Highlights
1. What were the most memorable quotes from the 2025 Oscars?
Some standout quotes include Zoe Saldaña’s emotional tribute to her heritage, Adrien Brody’s reflection on the fragility of fame, and Sean Baker’s passionate defense of movie theaters. Each speech added depth to a night of artistic and cultural celebration.
2. Who made history at the 2025 Academy Awards?
Zoe Saldaña became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, taking home Best Supporting Actress. Her acceptance speech emphasized identity, family, and representation.
3. Why was Sean Baker’s speech so impactful?
As the director of Anora, which won Best Picture, Sean Baker used his time on stage to advocate for the importance of watching films in theaters. His remarks resonated deeply in an era dominated by streaming.
4. What made the 2025 Oscars different from previous years?
The 2025 Oscars balanced entertainment and activism. From speeches highlighting immigrant roots to calls for global solidarity and tributes to cinema legends, it reflected both artistic triumph and social consciousness.
5. Who received tributes during the ceremony?
The ceremony honored Quincy Jones with a musical tribute led by Queen Latifah and celebrated the late Gene Hackman with heartfelt words from Morgan Freeman.
6. What was the message behind the documentary No Other Land?
The winning team behind No Other Land used their platform to shed light on the struggles of the Palestinian people, with co-director Basel Adra expressing hope that his daughter will live a better life.
7. Where can I find a list of all the winners from the 2025 Oscars?
You can find a complete list of winners on the official Oscars website or major entertainment outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline.
Author Bio for Ana Milojevik
Ana Milojevik is an accomplished writer and cultural commentator with a deep appreciation for the world of cinema and its impact on society. Specializing in film, awards, and the art of storytelling, Ana brings insightful perspectives on major events like the Academy Awards, highlighting both the personal triumphs and collective significance behind the industry’s most memorable moments.
With a background in media studies and an eye for detail, Ana strives to bring depth and clarity to every subject she covers, from historical Oscar milestones to the latest industry trends. When she’s not analyzing film quotes, Ana enjoys exploring the intersection of art and culture and how it shapes our understanding of the world.
