At the 2025 Academy Awards, emotions ran high as Hollywood celebrated the achievements of its brightest stars. Held on March 3 at the iconic Dolby Theatre, this year’s Oscars honored diversity in storytelling, exceptional performances, and melodramatic moments, all resulting in memorable moments worthy of the spotlight.
Leading the evening’s festivities was Maiki Medison, who won the prestigious Best Actress award for her compelling role as Anora, the titular character from the film of the same name. Directed by Shon Beiker, who also took home the award for Best Director, Anora clinched five Oscars, including Best Film and Best Original Screenplay. The film, which tells the intense love story between a stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch, was met with both applause and criticism, reflecting its complex themes.
Medison, born on March 25, 1999, to Jewish parents, struggled with the defining nature of Hollywood, which she felt distant from even though she grew up immersed in it. “Despite being born in Los Angeles, Hollywood seemed like something far away,” she noted during her emotional acceptance speech, where she thanked the incredible women she met through her role.
Describing her preparation for the role, Medison recounted: “I delved deep, immersing myself for weeks to understand my character’s psychology. I even studied Russian to communicate fluently, grasping the nuances necessary for my performance.” Her commitment to the role is reflected not just through her performance but also through the accolades it has received; Anora was awarded the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival prior to its Oscar triumph, showcasing its international appeal.
Meanwhile, Edrian Broudi also made headlines, not only for his remarkable career but also for winning his Oscars for his outstanding performance as Laslo Toth in The Brutalist. The film tells the story of Laslo and his wife Erzebet who relocate to the US after World War II. Spanning 33 years and clocking at 3.5 hours, the film is both ambitious and poignant.
“Educative and emotional storytelling has always been my passion,” Broudi reflected after receiving his award, humorously engaging the audience with quips like “I love you” to fellow cast members during acceptance moments. This wasn’t the first time Broudi had taken center stage; his previous win for The Pianist, where he lost significant weight for the role, also stirred emotions. The Academy has recognized Broudi’s dedication as he successfully brings stories and real emotional depth to the screen.
The night took another surprising turn when Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Benki Kaplan in The Real Pain. Kieran’s older brother, Macaulay Culkin, became emotional as he celebrated Kieran's significant victory. “He sat at the aisle, closer to all the stairs…He just couldn’t not win! I cried,” Macaulay shared at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, showcasing the familial bond and pride among the Culkin brothers.
A delightful twist came from Halle Berry, who surprised everyone by bestowing Edrian Broudi with a kiss during the ceremony. The moment served as both playful reparation for Broudi’s famous kiss of Berry upon winning his Oscar back in 2003 and highlights the camaraderie among stars. Afterward, Broudi expressed humorously, “I love you,” to the admiration he has for Berry as well as to quell any discomfort from his partner, Georgina Chapman. “How can one refuse Halle Berry’s kiss?” Chapman joked, showing the supportive atmosphere among peers.
Beyond the glitter and glory of the awards, the films honored at this year's Oscars highlight more than just cinematic achievements. They portray character journeys, address social issues, and resonate with audiences around the globe. Anora, The Brutalist, and other competing films like Gladiator II and All the Best showcase the breadth of storytelling today, aiming to challenge societal norms and advocate for diverse perspectives.
Medison’s and Broudi’s wins also reflect the gradual change within Hollywood, with creators striving for authentic storytelling and representation. Critics have noted, though, the box office results; Anora, after three months of release, had grossed only $31 million worldwide, drawing attention to its disparities between accolades and financial success.
Meanwhile, each artist continues their unique path, whether it’s Broudi’s reflective taking on significant roles, Culkin’s burgeoning career, or Medison’s aspirational narrative approach. Together, the evening forged connections and celebrated the industry’s capability to bring complex characters to life, aiming for engaging narratives and overall significance.
Following this year’s ceremony, the industry continues to discuss the winners’ remarkable journeys, the opportunities presented by these amazing narratives, and the passion these actors and directors bring forward. The combination of emotional moments makes the Oscars not merely about accolades but rather forming legacies. Excitingly, this year looks to be paving paths for new narratives and narratives, perhaps setting the stage for the upcoming class of Oscar contenders next year.