The 2025 Oscars saw notable victories and heart-wrenching moments as the world of cinema celebrated its best. The biggest highlight this year was the unprecedented win for Brazilian film Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by Walter Salles, which captured the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. This momentous win marks Brazil's first victory ever at the prestigious Academy Awards, following five previous nominations since the category was established.
Competing against strong contenders including Denmark's A Garota da Agulha, France's Emilia Pérez, Germany's A Semente do Fruto Sagrado, and Latvia's Flow, which won the award for Best Animated Feature, Salles' film emerged triumphant with its poignant narrative focused on the legacy of political repression. The story is told through the eyes of Eunice Paiva, the widow of Rubens Paiva, who was killed during Brazil's military dictatorship.
While the night was bright for Ainda Estou Aqui, not every Brazilian star saw the same fortune. Renowned actress Fernanda Torres was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Eunice but lost to Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old star of Anora. Madison's performance impressed Academy voters, garnering her both the Oscar for Best Actress and complementary wins for Best Film, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
During his acceptance speech for Best Director, Baker highlighted the resilience of independent cinema, delivering a motivational message to parents to encourage their children to embrace filmmaking. He stated, “This film was made with little money, but with much love.” This speech mirrored the sentiments echoed by his wife and co-producer, who urged young filmmakers not to abandon their dreams.
The highlight of the evening came with Baker’s reflection on the importance of storytelling against the backdrop of current global threats to democratic ideals. He emphasized how the film speaks to broader struggles against oppression and the fight to maintain human dignity during autocratic regimes, sentiments echoed by Salles when he honored Eunice Paiva’s bravery on stage. “This award goes to the woman who, after suffering loss under an authoritarian regime, chose not to bend but to resist,” he declared, receiving standing ovations.
Despite the powerful narratives presented, the night was not devoid of controversy. Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, had initially led the nominations with thirteen nods but faced backlash due to racist posts by nominated actress Karla Sofía Gascón. Although the film secured two Oscars, the fallout diminished its chances significantly, mirroring the fate of previous Oscar contenders with heavy nominations but lack of wins.
Another significant entry was The Brutalist, which garnered several awards, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. It also raised conversations about the use of artificial intelligence technology during its production, casting shadows over the integrity of traditional filmmaking processes.
Likewise, the night featured performances and moments of levity, with musical numbers and guest appearances easing the tension of the competitive atmosphere. Zoe Saldaña, awarded for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, dedicated her win to her Dominican immigrant grandmother, linking personal narratives to wider cultural experiences.
Several other films also received multiple nominations and accolades. Dune: Part 2 and Wicked: Part One managed victories, illustrating the Academy's blend of tastes—from blockbusters to more avant-garde productions.
The awards presentation was streamed live across multiple platforms, and many films, especially Ainda Estou Aqui, saw their profiles raised dramatically, potentially attracting new audiences post-Oscar. Celebrations countrywide erupted as news of the Brazilian win spread during the Carnival season, showcasing pride in the arts and national identity.
This year's Oscars have reaffirmed the Academy's commitment to honoring diverse stories and narratives, particularly those speaking to current sociopolitical issues. Sean Baker's Anora and Walter Salles's Ainda Estou Aqui represent more than just films; they serve as vessels for broader conversations about resilience, identity, and the human experience.
Yet, with all celebrating the power of cinema, subtle critiques remain about representation and narratives, especially concerning films made outside their cultural contexts. Kakra Preciado, exploring these themes, framed the discussions around Emilia Pérez as perpetuating problematic stereotypes rather than diversifying cinematic landscapes.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars reflect diverse expressions within entertainment, highlighting how cinema serves as both escapism and protest—each winning film weaving together narratives of struggle, resilience, and identity within the global theater.