The 97th Academy Awards unfolded on Sunday, March 2, 2025, illuminating the stark contrasts of cinema through its nominations and winners. Amid glitz and glamour, the night saw ‘Anora,’ directed by Sean Baker, crowned as Best Picture, securing its place among renowned indie films of recent years.
The ceremony was unofficially kicked off by the dynamic duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who soared through the air with captivating performances including ‘Defying Gravity’ from their nominated movie ‘Wicked’. The entertainment set the tone for what would become yet another memorable Oscar night.
Host Conan O’Brien, with his characteristic humor, emerged from Demi Moore’s body as part of his monologue, which opened the event. “Welcome to the 97th Academy Awards,” he quipped, echoing the timeless vibe of Hollywood. O’Brien wasted no time targeting the controversy surrounding the film ‘Emilia Perez,’ whose lead actress faced backlash due to offensive historical tweets. He humorously noted, “Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times, which is three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascón’s publicist.”
With anticipation palpable, the first Oscar of the evening went to Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor for his captivating role in ‘A Real Pain.’ A visibly surprised Culkin remarked, “I have no idea how I got here. I’ve just been acting my whole life,” before sharing humorous personal anecdotes, which lightened the mood of the audience.
The spotlight later shifted to the night’s main event, the competition for Best Picture. ‘Anora’ and ‘Conclave’ were the clear frontrunners, capturing the hearts of both audiences and critics alike. While ‘Anora’ — chronicling the tumultuous life of a stripper who marries the son of a Russian oligarch — won the revered Palme d’Or at Cannes, ‘Conclave’ garnered attention due to its timely exploration of the intersection between religion and power, featuring star performances from Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini.
Sean Baker's triumphs continued as he won multiple awards, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for ‘Anora.’ After clinching the awards, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the sex worker community, stating, “They have shared their stories with me over the years. My deepest respect. Thank you. I share this with you.” His passionate comments on the importance of theater echoed throughout the hall when he exclaimed, “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater.”
Adrien Brody also made headlines by winning Best Actor for his extraordinary performance in ‘The Brutalist,’ where he portrays yet another Holocaust survivor, earning him his second Oscar after winning for ‘The Pianist’ twenty-two years earlier. Brody eloquently delivered, “I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world,” reinforcing the importance of narrative beyond film. His victory, though expected, became overshadowed by Timothée Chalamet’s strong performance as Bob Dylan—a film, according to some, anticipated to deliver the youngest actor Oscar to its star.
On the actress front, Mikey Madison of ‘Anora’ took home the award for Best Actress following her considerable acclaim, beating established contender Demi Moore, who has re-emerged with remarkable performances. Madison’s win signifies a generational shift within the awards, as she emerged victorious against seasoned talents.
The emotional corners of the ceremony were not lost either as tributes poured forth recognizing the brave firefighters who fought the Los Angeles blazes earlier this year, leaving 29 dead. Grande and Erivo paid tribute with their opening set, reminding everyone of the heart and soul behind film and its resonance with real-world events.
Aside from the winners, the night also provided surprises, particularly with ‘Flow,’ which unexpectedly clinched Best Animated Feature, showing the world the growth potential of international cinema, marking milestones along the way.
With over 200 territories tuning in, streaming the Oscars for the first time live on Hulu, the anticipation surrounding the event carried more than just Hollywood prestige but highlighted the changes transforming film consumption itself.
The night encapsulated Hollywood’s resilience, with several films gaining recognition—even ones thought to hold little merit, such as the beleaguered “‘Emilia Pérez,’” which won for Best Supporting Actress, Zoe Saldaña, emphasizing representation by stating, “I’m the first American of Dominican origin to accept this Oscar, and I know I will not be the last.”
Though the memorabilia of wildfires loomed large, the Oscars displayed its intent to honor capabilities, innovation, and creativity by spotlighting not just glamorous faces but heartwarming stories originating from the depths of personal struggles and aspirations. With memories continuing to be created through films, the Oscars once again solidified its place as the epitome of cinematic celebration.
The unexpected twists and cultural nuances earned the night accolades beyond mere awards, marking it as yet another unpredictable and unforgettable chapter within the storied history of the Academy Awards.