The 2025 Oscars generally was the least LGBTQ or politically embracing in recent memory. But the night’s big moment came as the show opened. A stellar tribute to “home”; a meaningful tribute to Los Angeles. It was a poignant moment after so many in the entertainment industry were affected by last month’s wildfires. Ariana Grande did a moving performance of ‘Over The Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz. Then Cynthia Erivo walked on stage to sing “Home” from The Wiz.
Then Grande rejoined Erivo to sing “Unlimited” and “Defying Gravity” with Erivo. The magnificent moment had the longest standing ovation of the night. There were many other highlights of the night including out actress Queen Latifah singing ‘Ease On Down The Road’ from The Wiz. Paul Tazwell became the first black person to win an Oscar for costume design for his work on Wicked.
There were other surprising wins including the $10 million dollar independent film “Anora’ winning best picture and four other awards. And as always, the fashion was notable, especially Ariana’s opening from Oz in a ruby dress and ruby slippers. And if you look closely, she had a red high heel on the back of the dress between her shoulders.
