On March 3, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking another significant celebration of cinematic achievement. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on the film Anora, which captured the hearts of both audiences and critics, clinching five Oscars including Best Film.
The film Anora, which explores the life of the Russian diaspora residing in Manhattan, has quickly become the talk of the town. Actors Yura Borisov and Mark Eidelstein star alongside notable cast members, with Yura Borisov becoming recognized as the first Russian actor to be nominated for an Oscar. The narrative depth and emotional resonance of the film played significant roles in its sweeping success at the awards.
The Best Actress award went to Mikey Madison for her portrayal of the lead role, with her performance being described as powerful and moving. Madison's win has certainly added to her rising status within the industry. According to Armenpress, the Academy praised her for delivering an unforgettable performance.
Adrian Brody won Best Actor for his performance in Brutalist, where he depicted the struggles of Hungarian architect Laszlo Tato. Other nominees for Best Actor included Timothy Chalamet for his role as rock music icon Bob Dylan, Ralph Fiennes for The Conclave, Sebastian Stan depicting Donald Trump, and Colman Domingo for Sing-Sing.
The Academy's recognition of other standout performances reveals the depth of talent showcased this year. Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor, defeating Yura Borisov, who was nominated for his work in Anora. Culkin's performance was noted for its nuance and emotional impact.
Notably, Sean Baker was awarded Best Director for Anora. His work has been commended for its innovative storytelling and ability to blend themes of culture and identity. Anora not only captivated audiences but also set new benchmarks for filmmaking, securing wins for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing as well.
Alongside Anora, multiple films contended for the coveted Best Film title. Other nominees included Brutalist, A Complete Unknown by James Mangold, The Conclave by Edward Berger, and Dune: Part Two, which also featured prominently throughout the evening.
The ceremony was filled with anticipation, as audiences eagerly awaited the announcements of winners across all categories. The awards recognized not only individual talent but also the collaborative nature of filmmaking, celebrating everyone from actors to screenwriters and technicians.
International films were also highlighted during the ceremony. The Best International Feature Film award went to the Brazilian movie I'm Still Here, demonstrating the global reach and diversity present at this year’s Oscars. This clear acknowledgment of international cinema reflects the Academy's growing commitment to inclusivity.
On the animated front, Stream took home the award for Best Animated Feature. The competition was fierce, with other notable contenders including Wallace and Gromit: Revenge Everywhere and Wild Robot, which both pushed the boundaries of storytelling through animation.
The winners of Best Short Film categories included I Am Not A Robot for live action and Under the Cypress for animated shorts. Likewise, the Best Documentary Short award went to The Only Girl in the Orchestra, showcasing poignant stories and fresh perspectives.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars not only honored outstanding achievements within the film industry but also acknowledged fundamental themes of culture, identity, and resilience as captured by the films and performances recognized this year. The wins for Anora and its cast mark significant milestones, with critics praising the film's artistic merit and emotional depth.
The incredible success of Anora signifies its resonance with both audiences and the film industry, hinting at its potential influence on future cinematic endeavors. With five Oscars under its belt, the film sets the tone for the future of storytelling, reminding us of the power of cinema to bridge cultures, provoke thought, and evoke emotions.