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Oscars 2025: Top moments from the night according to social media

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The 97th annual Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2. Conan O’Brien hosted the show for the first time in Oscar’s history. Here are some of the top moments that got people talking on social media.

Memorable performances between awards

The Oscars kicked off with a medley of songs performed by “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Rumors about the performance had been circulating online for weeks, and the combination of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” from the “Wizard of Oz,” “Home” from “The Wiz” and “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” definitely exceeded expectations.

There was another medley of the night featuring popstars Lisa of k-pop group Blackpink, Doja Cat and Raye performing some of the lead tracks from the James Bond franchise “Live and Let Die,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Skyfall.”

“The Wiz” made a splash later in the show when Queen Latifah performed “Ease on Down the Road” to honor the late Quincy Jones who was the music producer for the film.

The comedian’s get the last laugh

From the moment Conan O’Brien took the stage for his opening monologue, it was apparent to both viewers at home and those inside the Dolby Theatre that the crowd was on his side and ready to laugh. He came through with what many have come to expect from comedians who host award shows: some edgy jokes here and there, poking fun at the nominees, and setting up what viewers can expect for the evening.

He provided a few more fun bits throughout the show, including a PR pivot to bring people back to movie theaters by pitching it as “CinemaStreams.” The sketch had O’Brien selling movie watchers on the concept of a “building for movies,” telling them, “we took 800 smartphones and glued them all together and made one giant smartphone.” The video also included a surprise cameo from director Martin Scorsese who ended the bit by telling potential customers to “Tell them Marty sent you.”

But O’Brien wasn’t the only star to get major laughs throughout the evening. “Saturday Night Live” and “Wicked” star Bowen Yang was one of five actors to present the best costume design category, but unlike his fellow presenters, he was the only one to do so in the costume from the film. Yang joked with fellow presenters, including John Lithgow, that they could have informed him in the group chat ahead of time that they had all decided to bail on the idea.

SEE ALSO: Oscars 2025: Kieran Culkin wins first award, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo pay ‘Oz’ tribute

Historical wins

Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the best costume design category for his work in “Wicked.” Zoe Saldana became the first Dominican-American actor to win an Academy Award after winning best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Perez.” “I’m Still Here,” won best international film, giving Brazil’s first Oscar win in the category.

When Harry reunited with Sally

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan of “When Harry Met Sally” reunited on the Dolby Theatre stage to present the final award of the night, Best Picture. Crystal even made a nod to the film by putting a fun spin on one of its famous lines, “because when you have a chance to be an Oscar winner for the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Unexpected win leaves viewers feeling robbed

Throughout this year’s award season, Demi Moore has taken a few of the best actress category awards for her role in “The Substance,” leaving many to think that she was a shoo-in for the Academy Award. However, the award went to breakout star Mikey Madison for her role in “Anora.”

Madison expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech, sharing that she “grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here standing in this room today is really incredible.”

Many viewers expressed mixed feelings online, with one user stating “Look, OK….I Love Mickey Madison, but DEMI MOORE WAS ROBBED.” Another user chimed in with a more optimistic view, “On the bright side Demi Moore won many awards this season and she got introduced to a new younger audience of people and I’m really hoping good scripts stack up on her desk and she just keeps getting amazing opportunities!”

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Nolan Schanuel’s first career walk-off hit leads Angels past A’s in 10th

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ANAHEIM — The thrill of victory helped erase the agony of the catch.

Finally peeved about it all some 24 hours later, Nolan Schanuel had an edge about him when he dunked his game-winning hit into shallow center field on Tuesday night to give the Angels a 2-1 victory over the Athletics in 10 innings.

His celebration in the immediate aftermath was part relief, a bit vindication and full elation.

“It’s electric,” Schanuel said after the Angels won for the sixth time in eight games. “I don’t know if I will be able to sleep tonight. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins once I saw it fall.”

It was a wild 24-hour ride for Schanuel that saw him robbed of a home run on Monday by a Spider-Man impersonation by A’s center fielder Denzel Clarke. The clip of the catch made national news, with “The Today Show” impressed enough to show it in the morning hours.

It was the talk of baseball how Clarke took away a sure homer by making a catch with half of his body over the top of the wall. Clarke did multiple television interviews from the warning track near the Angels’ dugout before Tuesday’s game.

Schanuel was playful with it all until the 10th inning Tuesday. With two outs and Joe Adell at third base, the A’s intentionally walked Zach Neto to have left-hander Hogan Harris face the left-handed hitting Schanuel. He decided he wasn’t playing along any longer.

“Once he did,” Schanuel said of the intentional walk, “I kind of flipped a switch. I went up there with the most confidence in the world and it turned out.”

And yet there was a beat when it all seemed in doubt. Schanuel’s sinking liner heading toward Clarke of all people. This one reached the ground.

“Yeah, try to keep it away from (Clarke) as much as possible, but if it’s going to fall, it’s going to fall in front,” Schanuel said.

Travis d’Arnaud and Jose Soriano each did their part. With the Angels’ offense stalled, d’Arnaud tied the game at 1-1 with a pinch-hit home run in the eighth. It came not long after Soriano departed following a career-best 12 strikeouts in seven innings.

Hunter Strickland, Kenley Jansen and Reid Detmers (2-2) each delivered a scoreless inning for the Angels (32-34) before Schanuel won it with his first career game-ending hit on his first career potential game-ending plate appearance.

“He went up there and did what he had to do, put the ball in play,” Manager Ron Washington said. “That’s what he can do. And that’s all we needed right there. … He’s figuring it out. He’s one of those kids who you could probably wake up in the snow, throw a pitch at him and he can get a base hit.”

Soriano pitched yet another gem yet remains without a home win since July 13 of last year when he limited the Seattle Mariners to one run over six innings.

Last season’s 3.42 ERA in 22 appearances (20 starts) showed more than enough promise, though, and this season there has been plenty to savor, like his seven shutout innings in the second game of the season against the White Sox in Chicago.

His third start lasted 7⅔ innings against Tampa Bay, when he gave up one run. There were the two unearned runs he allowed in seven innings in San Diego on May 13.

The common theme in all three was pitching in front of opposing fans. At home, Soriano entered 0-3 with a 5.92 ERA this season.

The only blemish on a 110-pitch night was a two-out double to center in the sixth inning by the A’s Brent Rooker on a ball that just eluded the glove of a diving Jo Adell. Max Schuemann scored from first base following his leadoff walk. It was the first hit Soriano allowed.

As good as the night was against an A’s team that has now lost 22 of 26 games, Soriano hesitated to call it his best.

“I think all of them are important. I think those other ones are important too. But the good thing is helping the team win,” Soriano said about keeping the A’s down with his sinker and curveball while inducing 22 swinging strikes.

The Angels’ offense scuffled through five scoreless innings against right-hander Mitch Spence and two more against right-hander Michael Kelly. But d’Arnaud delivered his home run in the eighth against left-hander T.J. McFarland.

It was the second career pinch-hit home run for d’Arnaud and his first since Sept. 4, 2021, as a member of the Atlanta Braves in Colorado.

“It’s a good day at the park. Only see one pitch, only take one swing,” d’Arnaud said. “And I didn’t have to sprint. It was a good day. I was happy to contribute as much as I could.”

After Schanuel won it two innings later, he made sure his uniform was taken out of the daily rotation. It might end up on a wall at his home one day as a reminder of a week that was anything but normal.

“I remember my first everything since I’ve been here,” Schanuel said. “Right when I took my jersey off I said, ‘I need to keep this.’ I mean, I’m a big fan of the game, I love being here and it’s a thrill.”

Angels starting pitcher José Soriano throws to the plate during the third inning of their game against the Athletics on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. Soriano struck out a career-high 12 and allowed one run in seven innings, as the Angels went on to win, 2-1, in 10 innings. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher José Soriano throws to the plate during the third inning of their game against the Athletics on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. Soriano struck out a career-high 12 and allowed one run in seven innings, as the Angels went on to win, 2-1, in 10 innings. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Here’s what you need to know about LA’s just-imposed curfew

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Here are some key things to know about the downtown-area curfew imposed by Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday.

  • The curfew will be in effect between Golden State (5) Freeway to Harbor (110) Freeway and from Santa Monica (10) Freeway to where the Arroyo Seco (110) Parkway and Golden State Freeway merge.
  • There will be “limited exceptions” to the curfew — residents of the area, “people traveling to and from work and credentialed media representatives,” according to Mayor Bass.
  • Bass said she will huddle with leaders on Wednesday to decide if the area should be expanded.
  • Anyone who is in violation of the curfew will be subject to arrest, according to Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell.
  • Amtrak announced passengers will have access to Union Station for traveling purposes only. Union Station will be partially closed with most vendors unavailable during the curfew, specifically Metro.
  • Metro announced the closure of the following stations: Pico, Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill, Historic Broadway, Little Tokyo/Arts District, Civic Center/Grand Park, 7th/Metro, Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station.
  • Businesses in the region were expected to close during the curfew, including bars and restaurants. Eateries posted “closed” signs and shared apologies to customers on social media. Several said they’d keep customers open on when they would reopen, suggesting they may be closed more this week.
  • Performances at the Disney Hall and theaters in the L.A. Center Theater Group were canceled on Tuesday.  Customers at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre were urged to connect with 213.628.2772 or [email protected] for assistance.
  • The curfew was expected to last “a few days” according to the mayor.
  • The DLTA Residents Association said it’s uncertain when the curfew will lift. It suggested downtown residents not leave home, in the meantime, without either an ID with one’s address or a printed utility bill to prove residency.

City News Service contributed to this report

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared that a curfew will be in effect for the area of Los Angeles between the 5 Freeway to the 110 Freeway, the 10 Freeway north to where the 5 Freeway and 110 Freeway merge. (Google Maps)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared that a curfew will be in effect for the area of Los Angeles between the 5 Freeway to the 110 Freeway, the 10 Freeway north to where the 5 Freeway and 110 Freeway merge. (Google Maps)

 

 

 

 

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Dodgers’ bullpen game goes sour in San Diego this time

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SAN DIEGO — The Dodgers’ most effective pitcher Tuesday was Shohei Ohtani, who threw live batting practice in the afternoon – Matt Sauer threw it at night.

The matchup Tuesday night was a summer rerun of a fall blockbuster. The Dodgers essentially went with a bullpen game against the San Diego Padres. The Padres had right-hander Dylan Cease going. The same matchup in Game 4 of last fall’s National League Division Series turned the postseason around, starting the Dodgers’ record-tying run of scoreless innings (33) and vaulting them from the brink of elimination toward a World Series title.

Before this series began, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he thought the Padres would be looking for “redemption” for letting the NLDS get away from them. If that sour taste still lingers in San Diego, they at least enjoyed a Sauer paste, scoring nine times against the right-hander promoted from Triple-A for the occasion on their way to an 11-1 rout of the Dodgers.

The rout evened this three-game series and added a laugher to a rivalry usually played with scowls and gritted teeth. Padres fans who chanted the traditional “Beat LA” with less gusto as the tedious game wore on got their wish – but not their money’s worth.

“Well, we have a chance to win the series,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said afterward. “It’s where our staff is at right now, as far as who’s available, who’s not, who we can kind of push, who we can’t. And these are the starters we have, so we got to go with it and make the best.

“The goal was to come in here to win a series, and we got a really good chance to do that tomorrow.”

Sauer was tabbed to pitch bulk innings against the Padres and he did that, absorbing the damage for 4⅔ innings. But he also gave up bulk hits, 13 in all including three doubles (two to Luis Arraez), a triple (Jackson Merrill) and a home run (Martin Maldonado) while also walking three and hitting a batter.

“Every time I come and there’s an opener in front of me, I know that my job is just eat as many as I can,” Sauer said. “Obviously, today, I didn’t have as good of stuff, but I felt like I was just out there pitching my ass off, trying to compete and trying to eat as many innings as I could for the bullpen.

“I just left way too many pitches over the middle. They were able to get the bat to the ball, get some hits.”

He ate it alright, a 111-pitch big gulp that gave the entire bullpen (save Lou Trivino, who pitched the first inning) the night off. With Justin Wrobleski (who threw a career-high 104 pitches over six innings in his start five days ago),

Sauer’s night reached its expiration date in the third inning, when he walked Fernando Tatis Jr. with two outs then gave up three consecutive hits, including one of Arraez’s doubles and Merrill’s triple. But Sauer kept going until the Dodgers threw in the towel in the sixth inning. Roberts sent Kiké Hernandez to the mound to show off his pitching helmet, the fat lady singing even before “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

It was the earliest the Dodgers have put a position player on the mound in their L.A. history, and it was a decision Roberts called “very awkward – it doesn’t feel good.”

“It’s about, do you want to chase, and is it worth it, versus to win tomorrow,” Roberts said.

Sinking as slow as 46 mph, Hernandez covered the final 2⅓ innings, a career-high, but is still looking for his first career strikeout.

“You just got to look at where our ’pen is at and appreciating what we have the next couple days,” Roberts said, referring to a stretch of 23 games in 24 days in which the Dodgers are midway through as well as the fact that Wednesday’s starter, Justin Wrobleski (who threw a career-high 104 pitches over six innings in his start five days ago), could need some bullpen support.

“It wasn’t smart to chase and redline guys in the ’pen. I got to give credit to Matt, who pitched as much as he’s ever pitched and essentially took it for the team to try to stay away from other guys and give us a good chance to win a series. That’s what we came here to do and we’re in a position to do that.”

Cease had his own personal redemption to seek against the Dodgers. Sent out to start that Game 4 on three days of rest, the right-hander didn’t make it through two innings.

With the stakes considerably lower, Cease held the Dodgers scoreless for seven innings on Tuesday, allowing just three hits and striking out 11 (though he did also walk five).

“It’s a good fastball. He was mixing,” Roberts said, grudging in giving credit to Cease. “We had a couple chances early. But I think when the game got away, you could just see things flip.”

The Dodgers avoided the shutout with three hits and a walk in the eighth inning against Padres reliever David Morgan. Michael Conforto’s RBI single drove in their only run of the night.

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