It was a night to remember at the 97th Academy Awards, with five big wins for indie sensation movie “A Real Pain” including best movie, best actress Mikey Madison, and best director Sean Baker. But what about the red carpet moments we didn’t see on TV?
Host Conan O’Brien brought his A-game, tackling topics from the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef to a gummy debate with Disney. Despite initial plans for complimentary snacks, they were given a hard pass.
Announcer Nick Offerman made headlines with a witty remark about Kevin Spacey’s Hawkeye role, while best actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón made a dramatic reappearance after resurfacing racist social media posts.
Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco left early, but not before signing an autograph book for Los Angeles firefighter Jake Heflin. He told USA TODAY that his 9-year-old stepdaughter had begged him to get Selena’s signature.
For those who couldn’t be in the auditorium, actress Monica Barbaro sprinted from the theater to the restroom during the “Poor Things” segment, and co-star Bowen Yang planned a strategic visit with Matt Rogers.
But it was Kieran Culkin who stole the show with his hilarious acceptance speech for best supporting actor. He joked about having a fourth child if he won, and even charmed Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary in the lobby. When asked what he learned from his character, Culkin tactfully dodged the question.
In another post-Oscars moment, Mikey Madison was overwhelmed with emotion after winning best actress, but vowed to clean up after her new puppies at home rather than indulging in glitzy post-award day-dreaming.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/03/03/oscars-2025-what-you-didnt-see-on-tv/80057800007