The 2025 Oscars were pleasant and agreeable, though not exceptional. Host Conan O’Brien delivered some good jokes but lacked high energy. The winners, particularly those from the indie film “Anora,” were endearing. The ceremony started with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo singing “Wicked” and ended with a few surprises. The event wrapped up before 11 p.m. EST, with a positive atmosphere. However, some felt that the Oscars lacked passion and a unique appeal. The speeches, presenter banter, and O’Brien’s jokes were too generic to be truly engaging.
O’Brien aimed for a friendly and inoffensive hosting style, reminiscent of Billy Crystal. While his jokes were mostly harmless, they lacked memorability. The winners gave speeches that were mostly apolitical, with only a few moments of pointed commentary. Adrien Brody and others delivered speeches that fell short of truly inspiring or energizing the audience. The ceremony lacked the raw emotion and drama often seen in award-winning films.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars were criticized for being safe and unexciting, missing the spark that makes the event memorable. The lack of standout moments, combined with lengthy speeches and unnecessary musical tributes, left some feeling underwhelmed. Perhaps with more passion and authenticity, future ceremonies can recapture the magic of the Oscars.
Would you care to add a few more words? Or better yet, let’s just cut to the chase and skip the small talk. Award shows are a peculiar aspect of television. On one hand, we are essentially witnessing a fancy, high-priced version of an industry banquet, held in a hotel ballroom to honor its own members. This is why categories like best documentary short and sound are still included in the telecast: the primary focus is on the filmmakers, not the viewers at home. However, these shows are also meant to be entertaining for the audience, as their support is crucial in driving the success of the nominated films. Yet, what may be considered a successful evening for the industry insiders does not always translate into an exciting experience for those of us watching from afar. Perhaps in the future, the brilliant minds of Hollywood can brainstorm ideas for a more engaging show for the general public. This article was originally published on USA TODAY: The 2025 Oscars were pleasant but lacking passion: Review
