Oscars 2025: The Biggest Snubs and Surprises That Left Everyone Talking

The 2025 Academy Awards were filled with expected victories, but there were a few moments that shocked everyone.

While many winners were favorites and front-runners, a handful of surprises and snubs added drama to the evening, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

From upsets in major categories to unexpected winners, the night proved that the Oscars still have the power to leave us reeling.

Biggest Snub: Flow Takes Best Animated Feature Over The Wild Robot

One of the night’s biggest surprises came early with the Best Animated Feature win. Despite being the heavy favorite, Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 was overshadowed by the underdog Flow, which not only won Latvia’s first Oscar but also outshined the critically-acclaimed The Wild Robot. The latter’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and stunning performances by Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal couldn’t stop Flow from taking home the golden statue.

While Flow still charmed fans with its wholesome animal adventure, The Wild Robot was a clear contender and its loss was felt by many.

Editing Shock: Sean Baker's Historic Win for Anora over Conclave

Another big surprise of the evening was Anora's win for Best Editing. Sean Baker, who not only directed but also edited the film, made history as just the third director ever to win the editing Oscar, following in the footsteps of Alfonso Cuarón and James Cameron.

While Conclave was considered a strong contender in the category, Baker’s multi-hyphenate role earned Anora a spot in the winner’s circle, further solidifying its Oscar dominance.

Best International Feature: I'm Still Here Defeats Emilia Pérez

Despite receiving 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez was unable to take home the Best International Feature Oscar, with I’m Still Here emerging victorious instead. This was a surprising upset, especially considering Emilia Pérez's significant momentum throughout the awards season.

I’m Still Here, with its under-the-radar acclaim and Fernanda Torres' remarkable performance, triumphed, leaving many critics and fans questioning if the Academy got it right, especially given the controversial conversations surrounding Emilia Pérez.

Best Actress: Mikey Madison Shocks Demi Moore with Historic Win

But the biggest shock of the night came when Mikey Madison bested veteran Demi Moore for the coveted Best Actress trophy. Moore entered the night as the clear frontrunner, having picked up numerous major awards leading up to the ceremony, including the Golden Globe and SAG Award.

However, Madison’s performance in Anora proved to be too much for Moore, despite the latter’s stellar career and previous accolades. This win was a career-defining moment for the young actress, whose surprising victory sent shockwaves through the industry.

The 2025 Oscars will certainly be remembered for these major upsets and unexpected triumphs. As we reflect on the night’s biggest snubs and surprises, it’s clear that the race for the Academy Awards will never be predictable — and that’s part of what makes it so thrilling.