The 97th Academy Awards took place on February 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre, celebrating the best of cinema over the past year. This year, the awards were marked by significant wins for indie films, with the film Anora standing out as the evening's major victor. Directed by Sean Baker, Anora won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film’s modern twist on the Cinderella story captured audiences and critics alike, establishing its place as one of the standout films of 2025.
Initially, Emilia Pérez held the spotlight with the most nominations, 13, but controversies surrounding lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón overshadowed its bid for top awards. Despite being the frontrunner, Emilia Pérez only secured two wins, including Best Original Song and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, who proudly declared, "I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents" during her acceptance speech.
The competition was fierce this year, with The Brutalist and Wicked also garnering multiple accolades. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, took home three Oscars, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Brody, who played the lead role of a brutalist architect, expressed gratitude for the recognition, celebrating the film's artistic vision. "I committed to this role, and it's been fantastic to be acknowledged for my work," he exclaimed.
During the evening, Kieran Culkin celebrated his win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain and humorously reminded the audience of a promise he made to his wife about their fourth child, stating, "My wife promised me the fourth child if I won the Oscar; I delivered!" The audience roared with laughter, lightening the mood of the ceremony.
One of the night's most talked-about moments was the performance of the Best Original Song winner, El Mal from Emilia Pérez. The song has received praise for its catchy melody and poignant lyrics, adding to the film's narrative depth. The gala showcased various performances, keeping the audience captivated.
Among the night's other victories was Flow, depicted as the Best Animated Feature, which received accolades for its vibrant animation and compelling story, proving to resonate well with both critics and audiences.
Reflecting on the evening, Sean Baker shared his thoughts on winning Best Director for Anora. "To be recognized for such personal storytelling is truly gratifying. We set out to narrate a story of hope and resilience, and I couldn't be prouder of the result," he stated humbly.
Despite the controversies surrounding Emilia Pérez, the film proved to be commercially successful, and its nominations alone signify notable recognition within the industry. Analyst trends predict it will remain relevant as discussions around its themes and performances continue.
Here is the complete list of winners:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker for Anora
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
- Best Original Song: El Mal from Emilia Pérez
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best Original Screenplay: Anora
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Cónclave
The 97th Oscars demonstrated the Academy's willingness to shift its focus toward storytelling diversity, reflecting broader impacts on audiences and the industry alike. While Anora upheld the indie spirit with its triumphs, the industry remains abuzz with discussions surrounding representation and narrative authenticity for future contenders.