Los Angeles. The 97th Academy Awards saw the tragicomedy "Anora" shine brightly, winning five Oscars including the coveted Best Picture category. Directed by Sean Baker, the film, which narrates the story of a stripper who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch, stood out among the night’s contenders.
With six nominations, "Anora" triumphed against strong competitors like the Vatican thriller "Konklave" and the numerous nominated films such as "The Brutalist," and "Emilia Pérez." Baker's unique storytelling style—which blends romance, crime comedy, and social drama—was well-received, having already earned accolades at the Cannes Film Festival.
“It’s wonderful to see independent films thrive,” Baker exclaimed during his acceptance speech, underscoring the notion of creativity over budget limitations. This was especially poignant considering "Anora" was produced on just $6 million.
Mikey Madison, who portrayed the lead role, earned the Oscar for Best Actress, edging out strong contenders including Demi Moore. Reflecting on her win, Madison mentioned how proud she felt to represent stories of marginalized communities.
Adrien Brody, known for his emotional performances, won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of László Tóth, a Jewish architect rebuilding his life post-Holocaust. During his heartfelt acceptance, Brody addressed the persistent traumas of war and the significance of combating hatred, stating, “We must not let hate go unchecked.” His second Oscar adds to Brody's history, having won his first for "The Pianist" back in 2003.
Best Supporting Actor went to Kieran Culkin for his role as the chaotic yet lovable Benji in "A Real Pain." Culkin's consistent performance across various platforms this season hinted at his Oscars win, having already clinched Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.
On the other hand, the night wasn’t just about awards but also poignant personal moments. Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her moving portrayal of Rita Moro Castro, who embarks on a transformative personal and professional life. Accepting her award, Saldaña tearfully thanked her family, emphasizing her immigrant background, "My grandmother arrived here back in 1961. I’m proud to be the child of immigrants. I know I won't be the last."
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the first time, started with tributes to the city of Los Angeles, which has faced devastating fires recently. O'Brien also received criticism for calling out actress Karla Sofía Gascón for her past controversial remarks on social media, which included Islamophobic and racist comments. Gascón was nominated for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," which, contrary to expectations, only won two Oscars.
Meanwhile, German special effects artist Gerd Nefzer, who previously won Oscars for "Blade Runner 2049" and the first part of "Dune," celebrated his third achievement for his work on "Dune: Part Two." His skills, honed through hands-on labor rather than purely digital effects, show the excellence behind real-world filmmaking.
Regrettably, the film "September 5," which depicts the 1972 Munich Olympic attack, missed out on the Best Original Screenplay Oscar. Instead, the narrative driven by Sean Baker for "Anora" clinched this award as well.
A significant moment of the evening came from the team behind the documentary "No Other Land," which focuses on the forced displacement of Palestinian communities. During their acceptance speech, the filmmakers expressed, "No Other Land reflects the harsh reality we have endured for decades. We urge the world to take serious measures to end injustice and ethnic cleansing.”
Issues surrounding representation were evident not just in film choices but apparent even on stage. Holding the microphone, Basel Adra, one of the co-directors of "No Other Land," called attention to societal struggles, shedding light on current political conflicts.
The award for Best Adapted Screenplay went to Edward Berger’s "Konklave," which was recognized for its elaborate storytelling surrounding the election of the Pope. The acclaim of the film with eight nominations was notable, even if it didn’t receive all the accolades expected. Berger's production based on Robert Harris's novel has captured audiences and critics alike.
Recognizing achievements across the board, it’s evident this year’s Oscars celebrated boundary pushing across genres and demographics. The ceremony also served as homage not just to artistic merit, but to cultural and social relevance, capturing the essence of contemporary filmmaking.
Reflecting broader no-limits themes, these Oscars were about more than awards — they highlighted resilience, change, and hope for underrepresented communities.
Political statements were also interwoven throughout the ceremony, illuminating the courage displayed by filmmakers to confront real-world issues with their art. The balance of entertainment and reality embodied the spirit of the Oscars, reminding everyone present of the power of storytelling.
The night reaffirmed Hollywood's commitment to celebrating diversity and acknowledging the social responsibilities filmmakers carry. Overall, the 2025 Academy Awards were not just about winners and losers, but about the larger conversation concerning art, responsibility, and humanity’s narratives.