The spotlight shone brightly on the 97th Academy Awards on the night of March 2-3, 2025, where the film "Anora" emerged as the big winner, claiming the coveted Best Picture award. Directed by Sean Baker, this poignant drama about a sex worker captivated audiences and critics alike, making it the standout film of the evening. It swept away five Oscars, including Best Director for Baker and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, underscoring its emotional depth and directorial prowess.
Baker's immense talent was on display as he also received awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, consolidifying "Anora"'s position as the night’s top film. The film's success was not just remarkable for its artistic achievements but also for its industry impact, making waves with its low-budget production and compelling storytelling.
"Anora" wasn't the only film to take home accolades during the ceremony. The epic drama "The Brutalist", which explores themes of identity and reinvention, collected three Oscars, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody's compelling performance. Brody’s acceptance speech was memorable; he joked about throwing his chewing gum to his wife before walking on stage, highlighting the lighter moments of the evening.
Despite entering the Oscars as the frontrunner with thirteen nominations, the gangster musical "Emilia Pérez" faced significant hurdles, including backlash against its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, due to controversial tweets. The film secured only two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, who delivered an emotional speech referencing her immigrant background, and Best Original Song for "El Mal".
Another notable film of the night was "Wicked", which, along with "Dune: Part Two", earned multiple awards. "Wicked" won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, reflecting its vibrant aesthetic and successful adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. "Dune: Part Two", on the other hand, walked away with honors for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, continuing its dominance in technical achievements.
The evening was not solely about the glitz of awards but was also marked by heartfelt tributes and poignant moments. A moving "in memoriam" segment honored those lost over the previous year, generating emotional reflections among the audience, including on the social issues facing the community, as demonstrated by the solidarity expressed for Ukraine.
Conan O'Brien, making his debut as host, brought his unique brand of humor and lightness to the event, peppering his monologue with political references, much to the delight of the audience. His commentary highlighted the social climate surrounding Hollywood as it continues to navigate both its internal dynamics and external pressures.
With awards announced across all 23 categories, the complete list of winners added to the excitement of the night. "Anora" was applauded not just for its accolades but also for its cultural relevance, contributing to broader conversations about representation and storytelling.in film.
The 97th Academy Awards showcased the vibrancy and diversity of cinema, with films like "Anora" leading the change and providing audiences with narratives worth celebrating. Looking back, this year’s Oscars emphasized resilience, highlighting how the industry is adapting and responding to contemporary challenges, from the political climate to societal issues of justice and representation.
Beyond the glamour and entertainment, the awards ceremony represented the rich texture of storytelling, bridging narratives from various perspectives and backgrounds. The night concluded with joy, celebration, and, for many, the promise of new stories yet to be told, as Hollywood continues to evolve.