On March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards graced the illustrious Dolby Theatre, celebrating cinema's finest storytellers from the past year. This year, the spotlight shone particularly bright on the film "Anora," which swept the ceremony, winning five Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award.
Directed by Sean Baker, "Anora" tells the story of a young sex worker entangled with the son of a powerful Russian oligarch. With Mikey Madison's remarkable performance earning her the title of Best Actress, she not only captivated audiences but also took home the award after being hailed for her emotional depth and resilience. During the ceremony, Baker remarked on the film's impact, stating, "This film is about finding your place and your voice against the odds, and I’m grateful to our entire cast and crew for their unforgettable contribution."
Meanwhile, it was Adrien Brody who won over audiences and judges alike, claiming the Best Actor award for his role as László Toth, the titular character of "The Brutalist." This poignant film, which spans three and half hours, tells the story of Toth, a Jewish architect fleeing war-torn Europe to create his life's work in America. Commenting on his win, Brody acknowledged the talented team around him, stating, "This dream doesn't happen without the extraordinary work of my fellow actors and our visionary director, Brady Corbet."
Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican origin to accept the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Emilia Pérez," which delves deeply on themes of identity and transformation. Saldaña's performance, along with her insightful acceptance speech about representation, highlighted her commitment to her craft and the narratives she chooses to portray. "Let's continue to tell stories of diverse experiences," she expressed passionately.
Kieran Culkin also celebrated his moment of triumph by securing the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in "A Real Pain." The film, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, captures the nuanced exploration of grief and humor as two cousins navigate their family’s past during a Holocaust tour. Culkin remarked upon receiving his award, "This narrative taught me so much about our shared histories, and it was both humbling and uplifting to be part of it."
The ceremony was undoubtedly star-studded and engaging, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, who infused laughter throughout the night. He quipped, "With the stakes of streaming so high, let’s hope everyone remembers to renew their subscriptions!" His jokes kept spirits high and entertained those watching both at home and live.
Following the glitz and glamour of the awards ceremony, audiences may wonder how to catch these celebrated films. "Anora" will be available to stream on Hulu starting March 17, 2025, but for now, it can be rented or purchased via platforms like Apple TV and Amazon.
"The Brutalist" is also accessible for viewers to rent on platforms such as Fandango and Amazon Prime Video, with plans to stream on Max, yet to be announced.
Audiences can now rent "A Complete Unknown," which traces the rise of the legendary Bob Dylan through Timothée Chalamet's immersive performance. Meanwhile, "Conclave," starring Ralph Fiennes, can be streamed on Peacock, allowing viewers to experience the movie’s intriguingly layered portrayal of papal politics.
Notably, "Dune: Part Two," acclaimed for its stunning visuals, is streaming on services including Netflix and Max, maintaining its dramatic pull well beyond the theater.
For those eager for something lighter, "Emilia Pérez" is available exclusively on Netflix, sparking conversations around representation and culture. This film has been met with both praise and critique, especially around its portrayal of transgender themes.
"Flow," the nuanced animated feature from Latvia, not only took home the Best Animated Feature Oscar but also marks Latvia's first Academy Award win. It is currently available for rent on platforms including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
"I’m Still Here," the first Brazilian film nominated for Best International Feature Film, is set to make waves as it explores the societal challenges during Brazil's military dictatorship. Its theatrical release on January 17, 2025, followed commendations for its storytelling at international festivals.
Film enthusiasts note the cultural significance of the nominations and winners at the Academy Awards. This year did not just celebrate established stars but also highlighted innovative works from new voices, demonstrating how dynamic and diverse stories can enrich the cinematic narrative.
Despite notable absences of films like "Sing Sing" and "Challengers" from the nominations, the industry continues to showcase stories worth telling, making each awards season exciting for fans and artists alike.
With streaming options growing, cinephiles across the globe can immerse themselves more than ever before with must-watch films, keeping the conversation around cinema alive long after the trophies have been handed out.