The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 2-3, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, showcased some of the biggest talents and films from the past year. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, who took over from Jimmy Kimmel, the ceremony lasted nearly three hours and forty-five minutes.
This year’s big winner was Anora, directed by Sean Baker, which clinched five Oscars including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. This film, already honored with the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, also captured the audience's imagination with its unique storytelling and portrayal of contemporary life.
Mikey Madison's performance as the heroine of Anora was celebrated not only for its depth but for its originality, which she described: "It’s surreal! I’ve grown up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood has always felt inaccessible to me. This is a dream come true.” At just 25 years old, Madison made history by taking home her first Oscar, edging out seasoned actresses like Demi Moore.
Adrien Brody also made headlines, winning the Oscar for Best Actor for his role as an architect who emigrates from Hungary to America after surviving the Holocaust, reflecting on his familial history of trauma. "Thank God for this blessed life of mine," he said during his acceptance speech. "This job is fragile. It looks glamorous, but it can disappear. Winning this award means reaching a destination, but more than the height of my career, it suggests the possibility of starting over." Brody’s win marks the second time he has received this honor, 22 years after his first for The Pianist.
Despite the accolades for Anora and Brody, the night also saw disappointments. Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, was nominated for 13 awards—setting a record for non-English films—but only secured two Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for El Mal. Saldaña expressed pride during her acceptance, stating, "I’m proud to be the granddaughter of immigrants who have dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands." This dual recognition was partially overshadowed by the controversies surrounding Audiard’s film, which had been marred by past tweets made by its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón.
Among the other notable winners was Kieran Culkin, who received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his work in A Real Pain, capturing the essence of his character's complexity. His emotional response during the acceptance speech highlighted his path from child stardom to adult acclaim. "I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say for my speech. I was just playing roles my whole life; it’s part of what I do," he commented, visibly moved by the acknowledgment of his craft.
A prominent theme throughout the evening was the call for cinematic experiences to return to theaters, emphasized by both Baker and the documentary No Other Land, which received the Academy Award for Best Documentary. The team behind this film, who highlighted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, did not shy away from addressing pressing humanitarian issues during their acceptance speech. Their message invited audiences to recognize the links between various peoples' freedoms.
Notably, I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, reflecting the resilience of its protagonist under Brazil's military dictatorship, thereby solidifying the film's global narrative. This honor came amid criticism for the lack of recognition toward many films at this year’s Oscars, including Un parfait inconnu, which left the night empty-handed.
Musical performances punctuated the awards show. The evening began with compelling renditions by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the popular musical Wicked. Their performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow set the tone for the evening, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.
This year's ceremony saw minimal political discourse, with few strong statements aside from the poignant remarks on inclusivity and social issues articulated by Brody and Baker. Baker urged his colleagues and distributors to embrace cinema as a shared experience, emphasizing community and collaboration, which seemed particularly relevant following the challenges faced by the film industry over the past few years. "We need to put films back on the big screen, let audiences embrace the experience," he stated, echoing sentiments across the industry.
The atmosphere at the Dolby Theatre reflected the significance of the night: it was not just about who won or lost, but about the stories being told and shared. Underlying all the celebrations and heartfelt speeches were the timeless reasons why films matter—connecting communities, evoking emotion, and challenging the status quo.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars offered both triumph and introspection, reminding audiences and creators alike of the delicate balance between entertainment and the pressing issues of our time. While the winners celebrated their achievements, many left with thoughts on the future of film and its ability to inspire hope and change.