Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg Reunite at the Oscars: A Night of Historic Moments and Black Excellence
Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg have once again reminded us of the power and impact of Black excellence at this year’s Academy Awards. As they pay tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones, the two icons made it clear that Black history is woven into the very fabric of Hollywood. Their heartfelt remarks were a powerful reminder of the legacy that Black artists, innovators, and activists have built over the decades. “When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy,” Oprah said, and we couldn’t agree more.
But that wasn’t all. This Oscars ceremony was filled with groundbreaking moments that continue to make history for Black talent in the entertainment industry.
Zoe Saldaña: A Historic Win
Zoe Saldaña made history at the Academy Awards as the first Dominican actress to win an Oscar, clinching the Best Supporting Actress award for her unforgettable role in Emilia Pérez. This marks the culmination of an awards season like no other, as Zoe swept every major supporting actress award, including the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG awards. It’s a remarkable achievement and a moment of pride for the entire Dominican community. Her win isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of representation and success for people of color in Hollywood.
Paul Tazewell: A Trailblazer in Costume Design
History was made yet again with Paul Tazewell’s win for Best Costume Design for his extraordinary work on Wicked. Tazewell is the first Black man to win an Oscar in this category, making his mark as a trailblazer. He’s only the second Black person to ever win in this category, following in the footsteps of Ruth E. Carter, who made history twice for her work on Black Panther. Tazewell’s win is yet another milestone in the ongoing movement toward more inclusivity and recognition for Black talent in every corner of the film industry.
Cynthia Erivo, Halle Berry, and Whoopi Goldberg: Style and Tributes
The 2025 Academy Awards also featured powerful tributes and show-stopping fashion moments. Cynthia Erivo’s tribute to the iconic film The Wiz brought back the magic of that legendary musical, reminding us all of the cultural significance it holds. Meanwhile, Halle Berry was the moment, stepping onto the red carpet in a stunning custom Christian Siriano gown that dazzled in every way possible. Whoopi Goldberg also made a fashion statement in a custom Christian Siriano reflective gown that landed her on our best-dressed list for the night.
Black Excellence on the Red Carpet
The Oscars red carpet wasn’t just about winning awards; it was about Black excellence shining in every corner. Anok Yai, Lupita Nyong’o, Coco Jones, Queen Latifah, and her partner—along with a new generation of Gen Z and Zillennial favorites—brought style, grace, and power to the event. Whether in fashion, sports, or entertainment, Black Cosmopolitans across the world showed up and showed out, embodying the richness and diversity of Black culture.
The 2025 Oscars proved that Black talent is not only recognized but celebrated at the highest levels. From historic wins to unforgettable fashion moments, Black excellence was on full display.
Now that the credits are done rolling on the ceremony (more commonly known as the 2025 Oscars), check inside to see who got to give an inspiring acceptance speech and who went home emptyhanded courtesy of a shocking upset.
The full winner’s list awaits inside.
Best Picture
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison – Anora – WINNER
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
Best Actor
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist – WINNER
Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Best Supporting Actress
Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez – WINNER
Best Supporting Actor
Yura Borisov – Anora
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain – WINNER
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
Best Director
Sean Baker – Anora – WINNER
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
Best Original Screenplay
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance
Best Adapted Screenplay
A Complete Unknown
Conclave – WINNER
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
Best Cinematography
The Brutalist – WINNER
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu
Best Original Score
The Brutalist – WINNER
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Original Song
“El Mal” – Emilia Pérez – WINNER
“The Journey” – The Six Triple Eight
“Like a Bird” – Sing Sing
“Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez
“Never Too Late” – Elton John: Never Too Late
Best Editing
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
Best Production Design
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked – WINNER
Best Costume Design
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Nosferatu
Wicked – WINNER
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
The Substance – WINNER
Wicked
Best Sound
A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Visual Effects
Alien: Romulus
Better Man
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked
Best International Feature
I’m Still Here (Brazil) – WINNER
The Girl with the Needle (Denmark)
Emilia Pérez (France)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
Flow (Latvia)
Best Animated Feature
Flow – WINNER
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot
Best Animated Short
Beautiful Men
In the Shadow of the Cypress – WINNER
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!
Best Live-Action Short
A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not a Robot – WINNER
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Best Documentary Feature
Black Box Diaries
No Other Land – WINNER
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
Sugarcane
Best Documentary Short
Death by Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra – WINNER
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For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
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Black Cosmopolitan
Black Cosmopolitans, you know this industry doesn’t always treat our legends fairly—so when a story like this comes around, we pay attention. Montell Jordan just
Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
