The 2025 Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, delivering both celebratory highs and controversial lows. The ceremony crowned "Anora" as the standout film of the night, capturing five prestigious awards including Best Film, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Baker's remarkable achievement of winning four Oscars for one film makes him the first individual to do so.
Other notable winners include "The Brutalist," which took home three Oscars for Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Both "Dune: Part 2" and "Wicked" snagged two awards each. "Wicked" was recognized for Best Costume and Best Production Design, whereas "Dune: Part 2" won for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Notably, the film "Emilia Pérez," which boasted 13 nominations, walked away with just two: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for "El Mal." This indicates a recurring pattern where frontrunners do not always perform well at the Oscars.
The night was even more significant as "Ainda Estou Aqui," representing Brazil, won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, marking Brazil's first win in this category. Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, who starred in "Ainda Estou Aqui," garnered praise for her role, aiding the film's international visibility. The foundation of her performance was credited with potentially shaking off the stereotype of foreign language films being overlooked by the Academy.
Controversy brewed around the Best Actress award, which went to the young and relatively inexperienced Mikey Madison for her performance in "Anora." Initially, many predicted the Oscar would go to Demi Moore for her role in "The Substance", due to her prior SAG Award win. The SAG Awards historically indicate strong Oscar contenders, making Madison's win surprising. According to film analyst Dalenogare, this choice sends another message about the Academy's inclination to favor younger talents over seasoned actresses, as demonstrated by comments on social media.
Critics and supporters alike flocked to platforms like X, where heated discussions emerged following the announcement of the winners. Comments like, "Anora proved 'The Substance' right about the industry always preferring younger women," highlight the social perspective surrounding the award's distribution, particularly the trends of Hollywood favoring youth and fresh faces.
Despite the uproar, Fernanda Torres extended her congratulations to Madison after the ceremony, emphasizing camaraderie over rivalry. Madison, who reportedly avoids social media platforms, remained out of the spotlight following the backlash, but her substantial win reflects not just personal achievement, but also the changing tides of acceptance within the film industry.
While films like "Anora" did well, others like "Conclave" and "Um Completo Desconhecido" failed to secure wins even with multiple nominations. "Conclave" won only one award and "Um Completo Desconhecido" left empty-handed, illustrating the competitive nature of the Oscars and the politics involved. Critics suggest the Academy continues to exhibit preference for traditional narratives, with films deemed "more serious" being favored over those of genres like horror or fantasy.
Another point of contention surfaced from the treatment of horror films. Madison's win not only for Best Actress but also for her film raises questions about the Academy's historical reluctance to recognize genre films, traditionally viewed as inferior productions. Critics argue horror, alongside other genres, suffers from historical prejudice, pushing well-crafted narratives aside for serious dramas.
The event also witnessed unforgettable fashion moments, where film stars made statements not just with their performances but with their style. Fernanda Torres shone beautifully at the event, donning an elegant black gown from Chanel, which drew admiration. Cynthia Erivo dazzled audiences with her deep green gown resembling her character, Elphaba, from "Wicked," demonstrating how fashion plays as much of a role at the Oscars as the awards themselves. Other highlights included Mikey Madison’s vintage-inspired gown, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, which paid tribute to Hollywood's classic past.
The gathering did not just center on films and fashion; it also sparked dialogue about inclusivity and representation within the film industry. The sharp critiques of the Academy's choices are reflective of broader shifts within societal expectations, illustrating the demands for the industry to evolve continuously. The viewers and voters alike seem to call for more than just glamorous appearances; they are advocating for recognition of genuine talent across gender, age, and genre.
With the Oscar ceremony behind them, insiders and fans alike await what the next season holds for the Academy. Is this the start of change? Will the Academy continue to embrace diversity and quality across all genres? These questions linger, shaping the conversation as they look to the future of film at the Oscars, emphasizing the need for fairness and broader representation.
Whether the results will lead to increased inclusivity or whether the conversation will shift entirely remains to be seen, but undoubtedly, the 2025 Oscars will be discussed for years to come.