The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, dazzled with star performances, heartfelt tributes, and memorable victories, underscoring the enduring magic of cinema even amid challenging times. The ceremony drew attention not just for celebrating artistic achievement but also because it paid homage to the city of Los Angeles, still recovering from devastating wildfires earlier this year, which claimed at least 29 lives and ravaged thousands of homes. It was truly an evening where Hollywood glamour met poignant real-life challenges.
This year, the awards showcased extraordinary talent across all categories, with Anora stealing the show by winning five Oscars, including Best Director for Sean Baker. The film’s success is certainly emblematic of the innovative storytelling and creativity coming out of Hollywood.
At the center of the spotlight was Adrien Brody, who celebrated his significant triumph as he took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. This marked Brody’s second win, having previously secured his first Oscar for his role in The Pianist back in 2003. Competing against seasoned actors like Sebastian Stan and Timothée Chalamet, Brody's win was both anticipated and deserved. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to working on impactful roles: “This accomplishment means the world to me, and I’m committed to continue proving my talent on meaningful projects,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Best Actress trophy went to Mikey Madison for her stellar performance in Anora. This recognition highlights Madison’s rising stature within the industry, and her contribution to the film has not gone unnoticed.
Los Angeles was also at the heart of this year’s ceremony as it honored firefighters on stage, acknowledging their heroism during the wildfire crisis. A charitable component was included to raise funds for fire victims, blending Hollywood’s glitz with genuine humanitarian concern.
This year's gathering wasn't without its controversies and notable absences. Notably, the scandal surrounding Will Smith remained fresh as he was banned from all Academy events for ten years after his infamous altercation with Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped the comedian on stage following a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Despite this, Smith had previously won his first Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard, marking a complex moment in his career.
Among the other winners, Cillian Murphy received his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role as an atomic scientist in Oppenheimer last year. Murphy described his experience working on the film as his “most creatively satisfying” moment, and he was visibly moved during the ceremony.
The Best Supporting Actor award went to Kieran Culkin for his role in A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldaña won for her performance as the leading actress in Emilia Pérez. These performances continue to showcase the depth of talent present across the film industry.
The last decade has brought significant evolution and history to the Oscars. Here’s a look at the past Best Actor winners: starting with Leonardo DiCaprio, who won for The Revenant back in 2016, followed by Casey Affleck for Manchester by The Sea (2017), Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour (2018), Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody (2019), Joaquin Phoenix for Joker (2020), and Anthony Hopkins, who at 83 became the oldest Best Actor winner for The Father (2021).
Branden Fraser’s triumphant return to cinema culminated with his accolade for The Whale (2023), reinforcing the fact there’s always room for comebacks in Hollywood. The narrative of these winners reflects not only the evolution of acting styles but also the shifting conversations within the industry about representation, creativity, and authenticity.
While the achievements on this elegant evening were plentiful, there were several notable absences due to controversial bans. Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Richard Gere found themselves excluded from this year’s celebration. Weinstein, who ushered forth a wave of discussion surrounding sexual misconduct after the #MeToo movement, was banned following numerous allegations. Polanski's ban stems from his dark legal history dating back decades, effectively distancing the Academy from his legacy.
Smith’s anticipated absence struck many as emblematic of the transformative changes underway within the Academy, as Hollywood continues to reassess its relationship with accountability and celebrity. Despite the controversial pasts of some absent figures, the present was focused on progress and the celebration of cinematic artistry.
The 97th Academy Awards serve as both celebration and reminder; they highlight achievements, commemorate triumphs, and call for continued compassion and growth within the industry. Each best actor winner, including Brody, symbolizes not just personal milestones but also the potential for autobiographical tales to resonate across generations. This year, the Oscars returned to their roots of storytelling, bridging art and humanity as they welcomed laureates who dared to dream.