Top six shocking and dramatic moments from the Oscars night: Anora wins big and more

Dubai: Hollywood’s biggest night was full of glitz, glam, and the usual dose of chaos—because what’s an Oscars without a few snubs, surprises, and a rogue Conan O’Brien moment?

From indie upsets to unexpected speeches, here are the six moments that had everyone talking.

1. Anora sweeps the night:

Sean Baker’s indie hit Anora, made on a modest $6 million (Dh22 million) budget, emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Baker used his speech to champion theatrical releases and independent cinema, closing with: "Long live independent film!"

2. Conan O’Brien’s wild hosting gig

Conan O’Brien brought back his signature late-night chaos, delivering an unpredictable mix of satire and absurdity. From playful jabs at Timothée Chalamet’s yellow suit to a surreal musical segment featuring a Dune sandworm playing “Chopsticks,” O’Brien set the tone for a night full of surprises.

3. Wicked’s show-Stopping opening

The ceremony kicked off with a powerful musical tribute from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Their medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Home,” and “Defying Gravity” set a high bar for the evening, though some questioned why one film dominated the opening spotlight.

4. Kieran Culkin’s winning speech & baby news

Kieran Culkin’s Best Supporting Actor win for A Real Pain was expected, but his speech stole the show. After a censored joke about Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, Culkin addressed his wife, reminding her of their agreement—each major award means another baby. Holding up his Oscar, he quipped, "Your move!"

5. A political stand on the Oscars stage

The Best Documentary winners for No Other Land, a film about forced displacement in the West Bank, delivered a politically charged speech. Palestinian director Basel Adra spoke on “ethnic cleansing,” while Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham criticised U.S. foreign policy.

6. Adrien Brody’s big return

More than two decades after winning for The Pianist, Adrien Brody claimed Best Actor for The Brutalist, marking a career comeback. The film, a small-budget favorite, also picked up two other awards, cementing its place among the night’s standout winners.