The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the best of film on March 2-3, 2025, with standout performances and significant victories. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the event marked another milestone for cinematic achievements, showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers, actors, and other contributors.
This year's ceremony saw the triumph of the film Anora, directed by Shon Baker, which won five awards, including the coveted Best Picture. Its accolades not only reaffirmed the film’s earlier success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned the Palme d'Or, but also cemented its place as one of the standout performances of the past year. "I am incredibly grateful for the recognition received by Anora," Baker remarked during his acceptance speech, reflecting on the film's impact on audiences and critics alike.
Maiya Madison's portrayal earned her the title of Best Actress for her compelling role, solidifying her status as one of this year's breakout stars. Adrian Brody took home the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Brutalist. Brody, whose career spans over two decades since his Oscar win for The Pianist, demonstrated once more his ability to captivate audiences.
Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin won the award for Best Supporting Actor, snagging the title from the much-anticipated nominee Yuri Borisov, who received widespread acclaim for his performance. Culkin's win, celebrated by audiences, came with the realization of his dream as he stated, "It’s surreal to win my first Academy Award," reported by The Washington Post.
On the other hand, Zoey Saldana garnered the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, another notable film this season. Saldana's performance was widely praised, adding to her rich portfolio of characters over the years.
The ceremony also featured several noteworthy wins across various categories. The Best Director award was bestowed upon Shon Baker, and the film Anora also won awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, amounting to fantastic recognition for the crew involved.
Although Yuri Borisov did not win, his nomination marked him as the first Russian actor ever recognized by the Academy. His talent did not go unnoticed; Robert Downey Jr. commended Borisov, emphasizing the promise he holds for the future: “There's no doubt he has a big future,” he remarked, signaling the actor's burgeoning career.
Overall, Anora stood out as this year's major winner, capturing the audience’s imagination and leaving behind impressive memories from this awards season. Other noteworthy films included Brutalist, which came away with three Oscars, showcasing its strong visual storytelling and originality.
The event was groundbreaking, not just for the awards handed out but also for the new format. The ceremony was streamed live for the first time, reaching audiences worldwide through Hulu. Reflecting on the night, it was clear the Academy is moving forward with fresh strategies to engage with global viewers.
The awards process itself highlighted changing trends within the film industry, showcasing previously underrepresented voices and cultures. The best international film award went to I'm Still Here, and the best animated film was awarded to Flow, marking the first Oscar win for Latvian cinema.
This year's ceremony proved to be one filled with unforgettable moments, showcasing artistic growth and highlighting the diversity of talent now celebrated at one of Hollywood's most prestigious evenings. Anora headlined the event, but the evening was truly about honoring the myriad of storytelling expressions currently shaping cinema today.
Reflecting on all of 2024's cinematic contributions, the awards celebrated not just excellence but innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining the narratives we treasure.