The 2025 Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, took center stage on March 3, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre located in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The iconic ceremony commenced at 6:30 AM WIB, celebrating the remarkable achievements across the film industry, from gripping performances to innovative storytelling.
Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscars recognized both established legends and burgeoning talents. The ceremony is regarded as the pinnacle of recognition for excellence within the cinematic arts, having announced its nominations well in advance to build up anticipation for the event. The glittering trophy awarded to winners, fashioned from 24-karat gold, symbolizes the highest honor filmmakers could achieve for their craft.
This year's Best Picture winner was "Anora," directed by Sean Baker, which captivated audiences and critics alike for its compelling narrative and masterful execution. Following closely was "The Brutalist" by Brady Corbet, which also garnered significant acclaim and topped multiple categories. Other nominees for Best Picture included noteworthy films such as "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez," and "I’m Still Here," contributing to what some are calling one of the most competitive years yet.
The Best Director award was also captured by Sean Baker for his work on "Anora," demonstrating his prowess and vision as he shapes modern cinema. Brady Corbet, James Mangold, Jacques Audiard, and Coralie Fargeat were also nominated, showcasing the diverse range of talent within the industry.
The performances this year were equally impressive, with Cynthia Erivo taking home the Best Actress award for her role in "Wicked." She was celebrated alongside nominees Karla Sofia Gascón, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, and Fernanda Torres, all of whom had delivered remarkable performances throughout the year.
On the male front, Adrian Brody's portrayal in "The Brutalist" earned him the Best Actor award, impressing the Academy voters with his depth and range. Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan were also celebrated for their contributions, each bringing unique storytelling to the screen through their character portrayals.
Notably, the Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldaña for her work in "Emilia Pérez," with her performance being hailed as one of the highlights of the film. Meanwhile, the Best Supporting Actor recognition went to Yura Borisov for "Anora," showcasing the ensemble's dynamic performances across various films.
Other categories showcasing talent include Best Original Screenplay, won by Sean Baker for "Anora," and Best Adapted Screenplay, awarded to Peter Straughan for "Conclave." This year also highlighted international films, with "I'm Still Here" from Brazil taking home the award for Best International Feature Film, paving the way for diverse narratives on the global stage.
The documentary category saw "Black Box Diaries" triumph over stiff competition for Best Documentary, emphasizing the importance of storytelling beyond fiction. The animated world also featured heavily with "Flow" nominated alongside major House titles, though it was the emotional pull of these stories told through animation creating significant buzz among viewers.
The technical achievements of films weren't forgotten, with "Dune: Part Two" winning awards for Best Visual Effects and Sound. Meanwhile, notable mentions also included awards for Best Cinematography and Best Editing, encapsulating the overall excellence involved in producing high-quality films.
Music played its part, with the award for Best Original Score awarded to Daniel Blumberg for "The Brutalist," providing audiences with memorable soundscapes accompanying the films. The Original Song category witnessed Elton John's "Never Too Late" from "Elton John: Never Too Late" emerge victorious, reflecting the strong relationship between music and storytelling.
The Academy Awards this year not only reinforced the historic nature of cinema but also illuminated the path forward for innovative filmmakers to explore untold stories and reach new audiences. The spirit of collaboration among peers and the evolution of the cinematic form were at the forefront of discussions among attendees, celebrating the art of filmmaking at its finest.
Reflecting on the event, it can be said, "2025 Academy Awards recognized the exceptional talents across the industry, highlighting both established and upcoming filmmakers," as reported by Tirto.id. With the winners taking their respective places on stage to receive their awards, this year's Oscars were truly emblematic of the artistry and contribution to the global narrative driven by film.