If you tuned into the 97th Academy Awards expecting a predictable night of glitz and safe speeches, you were in for a wild ride. While blockbuster fans hoping for a “Wicked” sweep left disappointed, indie underdog Anora stunned the industry by dominating the night with five wins—including Best Picture and Best Actress in a shocking upset over Demi Moore.

Director Sean Baker made history, joining Walt Disney as only the second person ever to win four Oscars in a single night. But that wasn’t the only twist. From Conan O’Brien’s unexpected antics to acceptance speeches that pushed boundaries, the ceremony proved to be anything but ordinary.

Conan O’Brien’s Oscar Chaos: Comedy, Critique, and a Piano-Playing Sandworm
If the Academy was aiming for a risk-free, controversy-free broadcast, they clearly forgot to run that memo by Conan O’Brien. The late-night legend delivered a hosting performance that balanced absurdity with sharp wit—complete with a musical number about not wasting time and an unhinged Dune reference featuring a piano-playing Sandworm.

Beyond the laughs, O’Brien also injected unexpected depth into the night, addressing the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the power of storytelling in times of crisis. “Yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work continues,” he reminded the audience.

Of course, he couldn’t resist slipping in a political jab, quipping after Anora’s second win: “I guess Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”

Winners Refuse to Stay Silent
Despite the Academy’s attempts to steer the night away from politics, the winners had other plans. The team behind Best Documentary Feature, No Other Land, used their moment to make an impassioned plea for peace, calling attention to the devastation in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham urged a new approach: “My people can only be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free.”

Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for The Brutalist, delivered a pointed speech about the dangers of unchecked hate, while Zoe Saldaña made history as the first Dominican-American actress to win an Oscar. “I know I will not be the last,” she declared, celebrating her roots.

The Musical Moment That Broke the Internet
While Wicked may not have swept the awards, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo made sure it stole the spotlight. The duo’s jaw-dropping performance of Defying Gravity, combined with tributes to The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz, gave the audience the soaring, show-stopping moment they were craving.

Kieran Culkin’s Baby Deal (and Best Supporting Actor Win)
Kieran Culkin didn’t just take home an Oscar—he may have sealed the fate of his growing family. Referencing a past awards show where his wife, Jazz Charton, had jokingly agreed to more kids if he won an Oscar, Culkin smirked on stage: “She didn’t think I was going to win.” Then, turning to the camera, he added: “No pressure. Let’s get cracking on those kids.”

The Lowlights: James Bond Tribute and a Shocking Snub
For all the night’s highlights, there were a few missteps—namely, a bizarre James Bond tribute that featured Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye but somehow felt more like a marketing pitch for Amazon MGM Studios.

Even more controversial? The omission of actress Michelle Trachtenberg from the In Memoriam segment. Fans took to social media in outrage, pointing out that while she was best known for TV, her film contributions more than warranted recognition.

Memorable Quotes That Defined the Night
“Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.” — Conan O’Brien to actress Karla Sofía Gascón.

 “I believe it was William Shakespeare who said, ‘Writing is a bitch.’” — Amy Poehler, presenting Best Screenplay.

 “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.” — O’Brien, in a line that instantly went viral.

In a year where the Oscars were supposed to play it safe, the winners, the speeches, and the sandworm had other ideas. Safe to say, this is one Academy Awards we won’t forget anytime soon.