The 97th Academy Awards have officially unfolded, delivering stunning moments and honoring extraordinary talent from the past year. Hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, the ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 2, 2025.
This year’s ceremony showcased films ranging from gritty dramas to heartfelt animations, with many citing unpredictability as the hallmark of this Oscar season.
Leading the pack was the film Anora, which clinched Best Picture, marking director Sean Baker's major accomplishment within the industry's competitive scene. The story revolves around the lives of dancers and their struggles, narratively rich and emotionally charged, making it a deserved recipient of Hollywood's top accolade.
Sean Baker’s Anora also earned him the award for Best Director, as well as Best Original Screenplay. Baker passionately reiterated during his acceptance speech the importance of film as a theatrical experience. "Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater," he emphasized, urging filmmakers to create for the big screen.
Adrien Brody captured Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, marking his second Oscar win, this time portraying another Holocaust survivor. "I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world. If the past can teach us anything, it’s to not let hate go unchecked," Brody reflected, sharing his personal commitment to the issues the film confronts.
Best Actress went to Mikey Madison for her respected performance in Anora. Up against notable performances, her win was celebrated as both significant and deserved, underscoring the impact of rising talents within the industry.
Kieran Culkin won his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, explaining during his acceptance: "I have no idea how I got here; I’ve just been acting my whole life," which spoke to the luck and dedication behind many artists' journeys.
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldana for her role in Emilia Pérez. Sharing pride as the first American of Dominican origin to win this award, she stated, "I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last." Her statement struck chords with diverse audiences and added to the representation narrative within cinema.
Highlighting the winners, The Brutalist took home awards not just for Brody, but also for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, showcasing its technical as well as artistic prowess. On the other hand, Dune: Part Two won for its outstanding visual effects and sound, underscoring the film’s high production value.
The ceremony witnessed several firsts and significant wins. The animated feature Flow surprised audiences by winning Best Animated Feature, being the first Oscar for any Latvian film. This artistic victory remarked on global inclusivity and creativity.
With various speeches throughout the event, the nuance of expression by each winner captured not just their gratitude, but also reflections on societal responsibility within the cinematic medium.
The Oscars this year extended their scopes, handing out awards to eight out of ten nominees for Best Picture. This reflects the Academy's current condition, where artistic integrity appears to triumph over mere box office performance.
Even as some anticipated wins became upset, such as Emilia Pérez only securing Best Supporting Actress for Saldana, the resilience and talent showcased remains commendable. Despite facing controversies surrounding its lead actress, the film still managed to claim recognition.
Wicked secured two awards for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, recognizing its larger production values. Paul Tazewell, the costume designer for Wicked, acknowledged the significance of his win, sharing how historic it was as he became the first Black man to receive the award for costume design.
The night also paid homage to the late Gene Hackman, with tributes from colleagues like Morgan Freeman, highlighting the impact of fellow artists on the industry.
The unpredictable nature of this year’s Oscars reflects not only the internal dynamics of the film industry but also the cultural and political narratives shaping Hollywood today. It beckons the question: as audiences evolve and the industry fluctuates, will Oscar be able to maintain relevance? The 97th Academy Awards demonstrated through its winners and speeches the industry’s enduring aspirations for inclusivity, representation, and artistry.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2025 Oscars; their contributions continue to influence cinema's rich and ever-changing narrative.