The 97th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles between the night of March 2 and the early hours of March 3, 2025. The event was marked by both emotional highlights and memorable moments, bringing together stars from across the film industry who were eager to celebrate the best of cinema from the past year. Most eyes were fixed on the major award categories, where the competition was fierce.
This year's biggest winner was the film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, which swept five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Baker, who also picked up awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Maique Madison, made history with this feat, becoming the first individual to receive four Academy Awards for one film. "It’s so wonderful to be recognized for my work," Baker stated during his acceptance speech. He continued to urge the film industry to focus on the theater experience, saying, "You have to keep creating for the big screen," highlighting the challenges faced by cinemas post-pandemic.
Despite the overwhelming success of Anora, the ceremony was not without its surprises. The award for Best Supporting Actor was highly contested, especially for the Russian actor Yura Borisov, who was nominated for his role in the same film. Unfortunately, he lost out to Kieran Culkin, who won for his portrayal in A Real Pain. Culkin, after his win, commented, "There are no losers tonight. This is such an emotional experience for all of us," adding to the night’s atmosphere filled with joy and camaraderie.
Emotions ran high as the awards were presented. Some stars were visibly moved, shedding tears during their acceptance speeches, especially Zöe Saldana, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez. Speaking from the stage, she expressed her gratitude, noting, "I am proud to be the first Dominican-American to receive this award, and I hope I won’t be the last," which brought the audience to their feet with applause.
Another touching moment came courtesy of shared histories at the Oscars. Notably, actors Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated their iconic kiss, reminiscent of Brody’s surprise kiss at the 2003 ceremony when he won for The Pianist. The reenactment underscored the emotional bonding within the film community, making for one of the night’s highlights.
Aside from the awards, the show featured performances paying homage to film scores and celebrated actors, making it an evening to cherish. Host Conan O’Brien brought humor to the night, teasing attendees about their outfits and even employing visual gags linked to some of the nominated films. His lighthearted approach punctuated the evening with fun flair, making viewers feel comfortable and entertained.
Although the evening was filled with jubilation for many, it also bore hints of disappointment, particularly for Demi Moore, who many expected might win for her role in The Substance. Instead, 25-year-old Mikey Madison was awarded Best Actress for her powerful performance in Anora, leaving Moore visibly disappointed but gracious nonetheless. Social media buzzed afterwards, noting the irony of the situation as many made jokes about the ‘younger version’ theme from the film.
One of the more peculiar moments came when Adam Sandler appeared at the event dressed casually, which became both a humorous and controversial topic of discussion among peers. His outfit choice was clearly intended to elicit reactions, as O’Brien jested, "Adam looks like he just finished playing online poker at 2 AM!" to which Sandler responded, "Hey, if my look offends you, I guess I’ll leave the hall!" This light banter kept the energy of the evening lively and unexpected.
At the evening’s end, as winners left the stage with their prestigious awards, the assembled stars reflected the essence of the film community: support, creativity, and the drive to uplift each other and share meaningful stories. The night also emphasized the significance of maintaining the tradition of cinema amid changing landscapes, both socially and technologically.
Overall, the 2025 Academy Awards celebrated film not just as entertainment but as art and culture, reminding attendees about the importance of storytelling and its power to connect humanity.