Los Angeles was electrified as the 97th Academy Awards took center stage on March 3, 2025, ushering in moments of jubilation and heartbreak. The night, marked by glitz and glamour, saw Kiran Kalkin take home the coveted Best Actor award for his powerful performance in the film A Real Pain. This win is particularly significant as it marks Kalkin's first Oscar, uplifting him to star status alongside his renowned brother, Macaulay Kalkin.
Meanwhile, the film Anora, directed by Shon Baker, emerged as the evening's heavyweight, claiming five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director for Shon Baker, and Best Actress for Maiki Madison. The film tells the compelling story of Anora, portrayed by Madison, who finds herself embroiled in romance and familial conflict within the Russian elite.
Despite the overall success of Anora, Russian actor Yuri Borisov fell short of securing the Best Supporting Actor award, which went to Kalkin for his role. Although Borisov represented the film during the ceremony, his absence of accolades cast a shadow on the evening, provoking emotions among fans of Russian cinema. Robert Downey Jr., who won Best Actor for his role as Oppenheimer, recognized Borisov's potential, asserting, "You’re in the right place, and there's a bright future for you," as he announced his nomination.
Reflecting on his victory, Kalkin humorously shared during his acceptance speech, "My wife promised to deliver our fourth child if I won this award." The audience erupted with applause at this heartfelt moment.
Anora captivated the judges, winning not only Best Film but also Best Editing and Best Original Screenplay, demonstrating Baker's impressive narrative craftsmanship. The director's achievements on this night paralleled those of Walt Disney back in 1954, when Disney, too, won four Oscars. Baker thanked his cast and crew for their dedication to the project, emphasizing the collective effort behind the film.
Aside from Kalkin and Borisov, the competition was fierce. Other nominees for Best Supporting Actor included Edward Norton for Bob Dylan: The Unknown, Guy Pearce for Brutalist, and Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice: The Rise of Trump. Yet, it was Kalkin's performance, which melded comedy and drama, winning over the Academy voters.
A close examination of the ceremonies revealed unique surprises. While Anora stood out, it contrasted sharply with other films, such as the ambitious Emilia Perez, which had 13 nominations but struggled due to recent controversies surrounding its lead actress. The fallout effectively knocked the film out of serious contention, allowing other films to rise.
The night culminated not just with the joy of awards but also questions about the contenders' caliber. Some critics felt Anora's victories stemmed from the absence of stronger competition this year. Nevertheless, its recognition is viewed not merely as luck, but as undisputed talent.
Overall, the 2025 Oscars will be remembered not just for the awards showcased on stage, but for the broader narrative about the changing dynamics of storytelling within cinema. With Anora and its strong character portrayals leading the awards, this year exemplifies how films can resonate across cultures and backgrounds, potentially reshaping viewers' perspectives.
This year's Oscars served as both celebration and reflection—a reminder to all involved in Hollywood's cinematic community. The captivating performances from actors like Kiran Kalkin and the historical win of Anora are not merely achievements; they symbolize the continued evolution and recognition of diverse narratives within the industry.