The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and plenty of unexpected moments. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Conan O'Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best in film, with performances, speeches, and some memorable surprises that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The Winners: A Night of Artistic Excellence
This year's ceremony delivered both expected victories and shocking upsets. Anora, a visually stunning drama by director Sean Baker, took home the coveted Best Picture trophy, capturing the hearts of critics and audiences alike. The film's sweeping emotional depth and innovative storytelling made it a frontrunner from the very beginning of awards season.
Sean Baker, also recognized for his visionary direction, won Best Director for Anora. His win was a testament to his unique ability to craft deeply human stories while pushing the boundaries of cinematic artistry. Speaking in his acceptance speech, Baker thanked the team behind Anora, acknowledging the passion and dedication of every single person involved in bringing the film to life.
Acting Honors: Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison Shine
Best Actor went to Adrien Brody for his riveting performance in The Brutalist. Brody, known for his complex roles, delivered a masterclass in acting as a tortured artist grappling with his personal demons. His win was well-deserved, marking another high point in a career full of standout performances.
On the other hand, Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress Oscar for her work in Anora. Madison's portrayal of a young woman navigating heartbreak and self-discovery was both raw and captivating, making her victory one of the night's most touching moments. In her speech, she thanked her family, the cast, and her director for creating a space where she could explore such a multifaceted role.
Supporting Performances: Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Take the Spotlight
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin emerged victorious for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, a gritty drama about family loyalty and betrayal. Culkin's ability to balance vulnerability and power in his character struck a chord with the Academy voters, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her standout performance in Emilia Pérez, a film that highlights the experiences of a Latina immigrant in a new world. Saldaña's portrayal was both fierce and compassionate, giving voice to a character who struggles to find her place in a foreign culture. Her win marked a significant moment in the industry, as Saldaña’s advocacy for more diverse and authentic roles for women of color continues to shape the conversation around representation in Hollywood.
Screenplay and Animation Triumphs
In the screenplay categories, the Best Original Screenplay Oscar went to Sean Baker for Anora, marking yet another triumph for the director’s groundbreaking work. His script, filled with moments of raw emotion and insightful dialogue, elevated the film to new heights.
Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Peter Straughan for Conclave, a film about the high-stakes drama behind the selection of a new pope. Straughan's adaptation of the novel brought political intrigue and religious tension to life on the big screen.
As for animation, the Best Animated Feature category was claimed by Flow, a visually stunning film that pushes the boundaries of animation with its beautiful, fluid style. The movie has been hailed as a game-changer in the genre, proving that animation is more than just for children.
International Recognition: I’m Still Here Wins Best Foreign Film
The Best International Feature Oscar was awarded to I’m Still Here, a poignant drama that explores themes of exile, identity, and belonging. The film, which received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and realism, touched hearts around the world and brought attention to new voices in global cinema.
The ceremony featured many memorable moments, including live performances of the nominated songs, heartfelt tributes to the late stars we’ve lost, and tearful speeches from many of the winners. As always, there were a few surprises along the way, including a few upsets in categories that were widely expected to go in a different direction.
One of the evening's most emotional moments came when Sean Baker, in his acceptance speech for Best Director, shared a touching story about his personal journey to becoming a filmmaker. He spoke about the challenges he faced and the mentors who believed in him, before dedicating the award to his team.
In a ceremony that celebrated the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema, the 97th Academy Awards proved that Hollywood is continuing to evolve, with a diverse array of voices and stories now commanding the spotlight.
As the final moments of the 97th Academy Awards concluded, it was clear that this year’s ceremony was not just a celebration of exceptional films and performances but also a testament to the changing landscape of cinema. With groundbreaking work like Anora, The Brutalist, and Emilia Pérez, the night showcased the brilliance of both seasoned stars and emerging talent. The 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night where artistry and authenticity triumphed on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
For a full list of winners, click here.
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