Well, that was a show. The 97th Academy Awards wrapped up, and if there’s one thing we can say, it’s that Jewish filmmakers, actors and creatives made a serious impact on Hollywood’s biggest night.
We had big wins, a few surprises and oh yeah, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller absolutely stealing the show in ways only they could. Let’s break it all down.
Adam Sandler’s hilarious walk-off steals the Oscars
You knew Sandler would bring the laughs, but no one expected him to walk out of the Oscars in gym shorts and a hoodie—all part of a perfectly executed skit with Conan O’Brien.
Conan took his shots, Sandler fired back and before exiting to a roaring ovation, he made sure to hug Timothée Chalamet, who looked thrilled to get a nod from the comedy legend.
Oh, and a quick note—Timothée Chalamet is Jewish, which makes that moment even sweeter.
Adam Sandler at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/JMh5Ci6eMQ
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 3, 2025
Kieran Culkin wins for a very Jewish movie
Best supporting actor went to Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain,” a film that could not be more Jewish. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the film follows two cousins traveling through Poland on a Holocaust remembrance tour, unpacking generational trauma in a way that is equal parts funny, devastating and deeply personal.
Culkin’s performance was phenomenal, even if he’s not Jewish himself. But this win shines a light on Eisenberg’s work and it’s safe to say that “A Real Pain” will stick with audiences long after Oscar night.
Jewish moment: Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn take the stage
One of the standout Jewish moments of the night came when Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn—two beloved Jewish actors—took the stage together to present both best animated feature and best animated short.
Their playful banter got plenty of laughs and while they were there to honor animation, for Jewish audiences it was a moment of pride to see two Jewish stars owning the stage together.
Doja Cat brings down the house with “Diamonds Are Forever”
The Oscars took a moment to honor the Broccoli family, the producers behind the James Bond franchise. And who better to deliver a show-stopping performance than Doja Cat?
Doja Cat made Shirley Bassey proud, recreating her sultry rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever,” the iconic Bond theme with lyrics by Jewish songwriter Don Black.
For those who might not know, Doja Cat has Jewish roots through her Lithuanian-Jewish mother.
The Sackler joke we didn’t need
The one Jewish reference we wish hadn’t been made came courtesy of Conan O’Brien, who included the Sackler family as the punchline of a joke.
In a fake commercial satirizing streaming services disguised as movie theaters for people obsessed with their phones, the sponsors were listed as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia… and the Sackler family.
For those unfamiliar, the Sacklers were the billionaires behind Purdue Pharma, the company that aggressively marketed OxyContin, fueling the opioid crisis in the United States. Their role in the epidemic led to lawsuits, massive settlements and the tarnishing of their once-prestigious name.
While satire is expected at the Oscars, dragging in a Jewish family name associated with a devastating crisis felt unnecessary and tasteless—in fact, dare I say it made no sense as the punchline of what was actually a very funny video.
Ben Stiller gets stuck in a stage elevator and delivers another comedy classic
If there’s one thing Ben Stiller has mastered over the years, it’s turning awkward moments into comedy gold—and the Oscars gave him another perfect setup.
While trying to present the award for best production design, Stiller’s “stage elevator” stalled halfway, leaving him awkwardly stuck below the stage, unable to step out.
At first, he tried to carry on from the half-risen platform but the absurdity of the situation took over. Laughter erupted as the stage crew “struggled” to fix the situation and after a few beats of comedic frustration, the elevator lowered back down entirely.
Stiller then dramatically climbed out on his own, stumbling onto the stage with exaggerated effort before finally delivering the award.
The whole thing? A bit, of course—a perfectly executed, self-deprecating gag that reminded everyone why Stiller remains one of Hollywood’s greatest Jewish comedic legends.
“No Other Land” wins best documentary, ignites debate
One of the night’s biggest surprises was “No Other Land” winning best documentary, drawing both praise and criticism for its depiction of events in the West Bank.
Co-directed by Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham and Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra, the film chronicles the eviction struggles of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta. Its raw storytelling has fueled discussions on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Praise and criticism:
- The Forward calls it a heartbreaking exposé on military occupation, urging global awareness.
- JNS argues it presents a one-sided narrative, overlooking Israeli security concerns and broader geopolitical complexities.
Gal Gadot and her pro-Palestinian co-star take the stage
One of the night’s most-watched presenter pairings featured Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler, who took the stage to present best visual effects. The two, set to co-star in the upcoming live-action “Snow White” movie, also made a splash on the red carpet.
Gadot, an Israeli actress best known for “Wonder Woman,” and Zegler, who rose to fame in “West Side Story,” had drawn attention in the lead-up to the Oscars due to their differing public stances on the Israeli-Palestinian war. Questions had circulated about whether Gadot would wear a yellow hostage pin in support of Israeli captives, a topic that previously sparked controversy when she chose not to wear it at the Golden Globe Awards. Meanwhile, Zegler’s past pro-Palestinian social media posts had also led to speculation about the nature of their on-stage appearance.
Despite the pre-show discussions, their presentation went off without a hitch. Their exchange was lighthearted, their delivery was smooth and engaging and no political statements were made. The focus remained entirely on celebrating the achievements of visual effects artists.
“The Brutalist :wins Oscars for best cinematography and best original score
“The Brutalist,” a historical drama about a Hungarian Jewish architect rebuilding his life in postwar America, picked up two Academy Awards, winning for best cinematography and best original score.
Lol Crawley took home the Oscar for his cinematography, praised for its hauntingly stark and atmospheric visuals. “The Brutalist” explores themes of Jewish resilience, identity and the challenges of assimilation. The film, directed by Brady Corbet and starring Jewish actor Adrien Brody in the lead role, has been lauded for its artful black-and-white photography and its evocative storytelling.
The second Oscar of the night for ‘The Brutalist” went to Daniel Blumberg, who won best original score. Blumberg, who was raised in a Jewish family in London and has drawn inspiration from Jewish soul music in his work.
Adrien Brody wins best actor for “The Brutalist“
Adrien Brody took home the best actor Oscar for his powerful performance in “The Brutalist,” portraying a Hungarian Jewish architect navigating postwar America while confronting loss, reinvention and identity. Brody, who famously won best actor in 2003 for “The Pianist”—making him, at the time, the youngest winner in the category.
According to a review by the JTA, Brody delivered a deeply restrained yet emotionally charged performance, bringing to life a character shaped by displacement, ambition and the weight of history. His portrayal, often relying on nuanced gestures and expressions rather than dialogue, has been hailed as one of the most mature and affecting performances of his career.
In his acceptance speech, Brody said: “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism…And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”
Mikey Madison wins best actress for ‘Anora’
Mikey Madison, born Mikaela Madison Rosberg, won best actress for her breakout performance in “Anora,” marking her first Oscar win on her first-ever nomination. The young Jewish actress, best known for her roles in “Better Things“ and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” took center stage with this career-defining performance, in what also earned Best Picture.
In “Anora,” Madison plays a Brooklyn stripper who finds herself entangled in a high-stakes whirlwind romance, leading to a gripping and emotionally charged narrative. According to Hey Alma, Madison, who was born to a Jewish family in Los Angeles, has been a rising force in the industry, and her Oscar win cements her status as one of the most promising Jewish actresses of her generation. Her victory adds to a historic night for Jewish talent at the Academy Awards.
