The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. Coming off the vibrant red carpet, stars donned breathtaking attire, with the season's unpredictability culminating in applause and surprise announcements.
Emilia Pérez kicked off the night as the front-runner with 13 nominations—setting the record for non-English language films. Other favorites included The Brutalist and Wicked, each with substantial nominations. Despite the initial successes of Anora, which captured both Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, it appeared as if The Brutalist might steal accolades. Yet, Sean Baker’s film Anora emerged triumphant with five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, alongside Baker's historic win for Best Director, which marked the first time anyone secured four Oscars for one film.
Anora's accolades were significant as it encapsulated multiple categories, highlighting the outstanding performance and expertise of those involved. "This feels surreal, like living inside a dream!" said Madison, expressing her joy over winning. Baker, who produced the film with Alex Coco and Samantha Quan, was also clearly elated, exemplifying the collaborative spirit of the projects celebrated.
Meanwhile, The Brutalist, another prominent film of the night, snagged three Oscars, with Adrien Brody awarded Best Actor for his performance. The film—a historical epic—was recognized alongside Lol Crawley, who won for Best Cinematography, and Daniel Blumberg for Best Original Score. The film’s creativity and artistic approach clearly captured voters' attention, solidifying its prestigious position.
On the other hand, the musical crime drama Emilia Pérez, though nominated for multiple prestigious awards, awarded only two: Zoe Saldaña for Best Supporting Actress and the heartfelt tune “El Mal” for Best Original Song. This marked Amelia Pérez’s presence but highlighted the overshadowing success of Anora. The film is streaming on Netflix, catering to audiences eager to catch up on the latest Oscar-winning features.
Competing fiercely were films like A Real Pain, which introduced Kieran Culkin’s award-winning performance and is now available on Hulu and various PVOD platforms. Flow, another notable winner, secured the Best Animated Feature Oscar, showcasing Latvia’s official entry and reinforcing the global influence displayed at this year’s ceremony.
Among the glorious array of winners was Wicked, which walked away with two Oscars, recognizing its Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Other mentions included The Substance and Conclave, both of which showed the diverse narratives represented at the Oscars this year. The vibrancy of film categories was echoed by the streaming availability of these projects, allowing audiences to engage with each Oscar winner conveniently.
The awards ceremony adorned the night not only with recognitions but also with remarkable fashion, leaving spectators dazzled by the stars' glamorous outfits and styles. Funny antics and memorable moments added life to the event, with hosts and presenters ensuring laughter echoed throughout the evening.
A post-awards party, hosted by Vanity Fair, continued the celebratory atmosphere where winners mingled with notable personalities of Hollywood. Attendees, including Julia Fox and Timothée Chalamet, added to the festivities with their fashion statements, embodying the glitz associated with the Oscars. Popular figures engaged genuinely, as seen when Chalamet strolled amicably with Kylie Jenner at the after-party, highlighting the familiar bonds and camaraderie within the film industry.
The whispers beyond the podium and spotlight, largely missed by cameras, were captured by Vanity Fair, showcasing glimpses of excitement from the behind-the-scenes festivities and emotions following the announcements. There, performers shared candid conversations and celebrated with those who brought them recognize, underscoring the communal spirit prevalent within the night.
Another highlight was the often-overlooked interactions at the Governors Ball, where chefs served delicious dishes to satiate attendees post-ceremony, proving the Oscars are not just about recognition but also celebration with food and friendship.
Each year, the Oscars serve not only as recognition for cinematic excellence, but they also open broad conversations surrounding storytelling, representation, and art, stretching across cultures and ideologies. Noteworthy films like I’m Still Here, which won the Best International Feature, reflect the growing acceptance and acknowledgment of diverse narratives worldwide, enriching the depth and dimension of cinema itself.
This year’s Oscars ceremony stands as another chapter etched in Hollywood’s vibrant history, where art and artists continue to flourish and evolve, leaving audiences excited for what tomorrow holds. The culmination of the ceremony encapsulated the year’s cinematic achievements, reflecting various narratives and performances celebrated across the globe.
From fashion to highlights, from films to nominees, this year’s Oscars will, without doubt, continue to resonate with audiences eager to revisit stories and performances now immortalized through the prestigious awards. Looking forward, anticipation builds for future ceremonies, continuing the tradition of honoring sublime talents within the cinematic world.