The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, showcased numerous remarkable talents and cinematic achievements, bringing together Hollywood’s biggest stars for one extraordinary night. Topping the evening’s honors was the film Anora, which emerged as the clear winner, snagging five Oscars out of its six nominations.
Directed by Sean Baker, Anora received the coveted Best Picture award, marking it as the centerpiece of the event. Baker’s storytelling, which centers around the tumultuous relationship between a New York sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, was lauded not just for its engaging narrative but for its authenticity. "You have taken everything I wrote to new heights and have made me look good," Baker expressed during his acceptance speech, also dedicatively thanking real-life sex workers who shared their stories with him over the years. His emotional address highlighted the film's core theme, emphasizing respect for marginalized voices.
Among the significant awards, Mikey Madison was awarded Best Actress for her powerful portrayal of the titular character, Anora. "Hollywood has always felt so far away for me," she remarked as she collected her Oscar, celebrating the opportunity to resonate with audiences through her character's experiences.
The Best Actor award went to Adrien Brody for his role as a Jewish architect in The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet. This marks Brody's second Oscar; he previously won for his performance in The Pianist over twenty years ago. "It’s surreal to win this again, especially for such a challenging role," Brody mentioned, reflecting on his significant growth as an actor.
Best Supporting Actor was awarded to Kieran Culkin for his performance in A Real Pain, capturing the character's chaotic charm with aplomb, marking his first Oscar win after years of acclaimed performances. His acceptance speech was heartfelt, acknowledging the influence of his family on his career.
Meanwhile, Zoë Saldaña earned the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Rita Moro Castro in Emilia Pérez, making history as the first American actress of Dominican descent to win this award. She expressed immense pride, saying, "I am the proud child of immigrant parents, and I know I won't be the last to break barriers like this."
The ceremony was not without its controversies, particularly surrounding actress Karla Sofía Gascón from Emilia Pérez, who faced backlash over past social media comments. Nonetheless, the film, which had secured thirteen nominations, won two Oscars, including the aforementioned Best Supporting Actress.
Several other films were celebrated throughout the night, showcasing the diversity of storytelling within the industry. The award for Best Animated Feature went to Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, which tells the touching story of various animals surviving a devastating flood. This marked the first Oscar win for Latvia, symbolizing the industry's growing acceptance of international voices.
For Best Original Screenplay, Sean Baker was recognized for Anora, highlighting the film’s innovative narrative structure. Baker's success continues to reflect the Academy's increasing recognition of unique storytelling approaches.
On the technical side, Dune: Part Two made waves by winning Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, reaffirming its status as a cinematic powerhouse. Lead visual effects artist Gerd Nefzer celebrated his third Oscar win of his career, stating, "Every project is like starting fresh; I am grateful for every opportunity."
Another heartwarming moment involved the Iranian filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, who took home the award for Best Animated Short Film with In the Shadow of the Cypress, marking it as the first Iranian animated short to win this accolade.
The night also recognized several artistic achievements and technical prowess with awards for Best Cinematography awarded to Lol Crawley for The Brutalist, and Best Costume Design awarded to Paul Tazewell for his exceptional work on Wicked.
Internationally, the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film went to Brazil for I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, which tackled the harsh realities faced by families during the military dictatorship. "This is not just our victory, it’s for everyone fighting for truth and remembrance," Salles mentioned during his acceptance speech.
Overall, the ceremony was marked by enthusiasm, poignant anecdotes, and the celebration of artistic creativity across various genres and backgrounds. The Academy's continued effort to recognize diverse voices reflects its commitment to progress, inclusivity, and artistic expression.
With each award, the night encapsulated not just the craft of filmmaking, but the stories and lives behind them, forging connections between narratives and audiences worldwide.
Lastly, as the credits rolled and the lights dimmed, one thing was evident: the spirit of cinema remains resilient, constantly growing and adapting, finding new ways to inspire and engage audiences globally.