The 97th Academy Awards, held on the night of March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, culminated with dramatic moments and significant honors as films from the past year were duly recognized.
Leading the night was the highly praised film Anora, which took home five Oscars from six nominations, securing trophies for Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), and Best Actress (Maïki Madison). Baker's direction and Madison's performance were lauded, marking them as standout achievements. The cinematic triumph of Anora solidified its status as the centerpiece of the evening.
Adrien Brody also made headlines by winning Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, showcasing why he is considered one of this generation's finest actors. His acceptance speech was heartfelt, taking time to appreciate the craft and the community surrounding filmmaking.
To add to the excitement, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his work in True Pain, and Zoë Saldana received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Perez. The wins for Saldana and Culkin were well-received, with each actor expressing gratitude for their respective roles and the opportunity to contribute to such significant pieces of storytelling.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, who opened the show with humorous fanfare, appearing humorously through the CGI of the body-horror comedy Substance. While some found the act surreal, others appreciated his comedic flair during the opening. Within moments, O'Brien lost no time addressing notable attire choices and quirky moments, including Adam Sandler's humorous defiance of formal dress codes and his playful banter about basketball plans.
Another highlight was the appearance of the sandworm from Dune: Part Two, which bizarrely surprised the audience by playing the harp during the presentation of the Best Sound award, affirming its playful place within Hollywood lore.
The technical categories also saw fierce competition, with Dune: Part Two winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, emphasizing the film's acclaim not just for its story but for its groundbreaking aesthetics.
Other winners included the animated film Flow, which triumphed over heavyweight contenders to take the Animated Feature award, and the historical documentary No Other Land, which won Best Documentary.
With 13 nominations, Emilia Perez was touted as one of the most nominated non-English films; its narrative appeal and dynamic performances contributed to the buzz surrounding its potential wins.
A moment of poignant tribute included honoring first responders for their bravery during the devastating wildfires of January, highlighting the Academy's recognition of real-life heroes. Among these was an entertaining segment with fire department personnel engaging with O’Brien, accelerating the lighthearted atmosphere of the event.
Despite uncertainty prior to the event, it was announced post-ceremony, after some speculation, who would take home the coveted Oscar, leading to emotional responses from winners and nominees alike.
With nominees competing across 23 categories, the event was not only a celebration of cinematic achievements but also of diverse storytelling, including narratives from various cultures and genres. Critics and fans alike noted the representation of different perspectives, provoking discussions about entertainment's role and responsibility.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional remembrance of notables lost over the past year, imbuing the night with reflection upon those whose contributions have indelibly shaped the film industry.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars showcased stellar performances and captivating artwork, promising yet another vibrant year for Hollywood as filmmakers and audiences alike reflected on the power of storytelling.