Doja Cat's 2025 Oscars Night: The Full Breakdown Of Her Controversial Performance And Viral Red Carpet Look

The 97th Academy Awards, or "Oscars 2025," delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the year, thanks to the magnetic and often controversial presence of Doja Cat. As of today, December 10, 2025, the buzz surrounding her polarizing performance and show-stopping red carpet ensemble remains a major topic in pop culture and fashion circles. Her appearance was not just an attendance; it was a full-scale cultural event that solidified her status as a true agent of chaos and a master of high-fashion drama.

The rapper, singer, and songwriter dominated headlines for her unexpected role in the ceremony. While she was not nominated for an award, her participation in a high-profile musical tribute and her instantly viral fashion choice guaranteed her a spot as one of the evening's most memorable figures. We break down her full Oscars 2025 experience, from her biographical profile to the post-show controversy.

Doja Cat: A Brief Biographical Profile

Doja Cat, whose professional name is a blend of a strain of marijuana ("Doja") and her love for cats, has become one of the most successful and unpredictable artists of the decade. Her career is defined by a genre-fluid sound and a fearless approach to public persona and style.

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• Full Name: Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini
• Born: October 21, 1995
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
• Nationality: South African-American
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
• Notable Albums: Hot Pink (2019), Planet Her (2021), Scarlet (2023)
• Key Achievements: Grammy Award winner, multiple MTV VMAs, and Billboard Music Awards.

The Controversial James Bond Tribute Performance

The biggest story of Doja Cat’s night at the 97th Academy Awards was her surprise musical segment. In a break from the tradition of featuring performances solely by the Best Original Song nominees, the Academy opted for a spectacular tribute that brought together three global music powerhouses.

A Trio of Global Superstars

Doja Cat took the stage alongside BLACKPINK’s LISA and British singer RAYE to perform a medley of iconic James Bond theme songs. The collaboration was one of the night’s most anticipated and mysterious moments, as the specifics were kept tightly under wraps until the broadcast. This decision to feature a tribute instead of the nominated songs sparked initial debate among industry insiders.

The performance itself was a high-energy, elaborate production. Doja Cat’s segment showcased her versatility, moving away from her typical rap-heavy style to embrace a more theatrical, vocal-focused arrangement. The presence of LISA and RAYE ensured the performance had immense global reach and topical authority, connecting the classic Bond franchise with contemporary pop culture.

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Addressing the Post-Show Backlash

Despite the star power, the performance was met with mixed reactions, leading to significant online backlash. Critics and fans took to social media to express disappointment, with some criticizing the arrangement, the staging, and the overall fit of the artists for a Bond tribute.

Doja Cat, never one to shy away from controversy, quickly addressed the criticism. She acknowledged the mixed reactions, admitting that the performance was a "brave and scary" endeavor. Her response highlighted the pressure of performing on such a massive, global stage and the challenge of tackling such a beloved, classic catalog. She later admitted that "a lot of people" didn't like it, but stood by the artistic risk. This candid response helped to temper some of the negative sentiment and kept her at the center of the post-Oscars conversation.

The Viral Red Carpet Fashion Statement

Beyond the stage, Doja Cat cemented her status as a red carpet icon with a look that immediately went viral. Her appearance at the 97th annual Oscars arrivals was a masterclass in main character energy, showcasing her commitment to avant-garde, boundary-pushing fashion.

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The Leopard-Print Look

For the 2025 Oscars, Doja Cat chose a head-turning, Swarovski-covered leopard-print ensemble. The outfit was a maximalist statement, featuring intricate detailing and a dramatic silhouette that commanded attention. The use of Swarovski crystals added a layer of high-glamour, transforming the animal print into a couture moment.

Her style choice was analyzed extensively by fashion critics and fans alike. It was praised for its boldness and its complete disregard for traditional red carpet norms. The leopard print, often a risky choice, was executed with an elevated, luxurious finish, making it a standout look of the entire evening. The combination of high-fashion artistry and her signature unpredictable style ensured her look was one of the most searched and discussed of the night.

Topical Authority and Influence

Doja Cat’s decision to wear such an unconventional look at a traditionally conservative event like the Academy Awards is a testament to her topical authority in fashion. She is one of the few artists who can consistently generate buzz and influence trends simply by what she chooses to wear. Her 2025 Oscars fashion moment was not just clothing; it was a curated piece of performance art that extended her stage presence onto the red carpet.

This appearance further solidified her influence on the intersection of music, fashion, and online culture. Every detail, from the makeup to the accessories, was dissected, proving that her red carpet walk was as important as her stage performance in terms of cultural impact.

Looking Ahead: Doja Cat's Next Moves

Although the 97th Oscars is now in the past, Doja Cat's momentum continues. Her ability to generate conversation, whether through controversial performances or viral fashion, keeps her name at the forefront of the entertainment world. While her song "Lose My Mind" from the F1: The Album was mentioned as a potential contender for the Best Original Song Oscar in 2026, her focus remains on music and creative projects.

Her performance at the 2025 Oscars will be remembered not only for the music but also for the spectacle and the subsequent conversation it ignited. It was a perfect encapsulation of the "Doja Cat" brand: fearless, fashion-forward, and always ready to challenge expectations. Fans and critics are already anticipating what she will do next on the world stage, whether it's another bold album, a new fashion collaboration, or an appearance at the next major award show.