The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, captivated audiences worldwide with its extraordinary mix of glamour, drama, and unexpected surprises. Hosted by the beloved comedian Conan O'Brien, the evening unfolded with high energy and display of remarkable achievements within the film industry. This year, the standout film was unexpectedly Sean Baker's "Anora," which not only took home the Oscar for Best Picture but also won accolades for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.
With five Oscars to its name, "Anora" reignited discussions about its provocative storyline and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its cast, many of whom are Russian actors who have not condemned the aggression toward Ukraine. Baker's film, which had garnered both praise and controversy, undoubtedly left its mark on the 2025 Oscars.
"We feel honored, and it is gratifying to see our work recognized like this," Baker remarked during his acceptance speech. Despite these accolades, the night was not without its drama. The ceremony experienced criticism from viewers, particularly about the musical segment dedicated to the "James Bond" franchise. This segment featured performances from Doja Cat, Raye, and others, paying homage to the legendary series. Unfortunately for the producers, reactions from audiences were overwhelmingly negative.
Online comments ranged from disbelief to resentment: "What was the point of this James Bond tribute?" asked one social media user, echoing the frustration among many viewers. Others highlighted the missed opportunity to showcase "El Mal," the winning song from "Emilia Perez," instead of the underwhelming Bond segment. Despite the criticisms, the allure of the Oscars remains, continuing to attract millions worldwide who tune in to see who will take home the coveted golden statuettes.
While "Anora" enjoyed its moment of glory, the night also revealed stark contrasts among other nominated films. "The Brutalist," starring Adrien Brody, took home Oscars for Best Actor and achievements for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. Brody, visibly thrilled, acknowledged the talent of his fellow nominees during his speech, celebrating both competition and camaraderie.
On the other hand, "Emilia Perez," directed by Jacques Audiard, faced harsh scrutiny after receiving only two Oscars out of its record-breaking 13 nominations. Zoe Saldaña took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, and the film also won for Best Original Song, yet many observers noted this as one of the biggest letdowns of the evening.
One online reaction reflected this sentiment: "How can you have 13 nominations and only end up with two wins?" Fans and critics alike were disappointed, having expected much more from the film previously pegged to sweep various categories. Consequently, Audiard's ambitious project left the ceremony marked more by its fails than its wins.
The night was significant not just for the award results but also for certain thematic trends evident among the celebrated films. The win for "Anora" highlighted the industry's move toward storytelling centered on poignant social issues, aligning with other celebrated works this year. For example, Peter Straughan’s adapted screenplay for "Konklawe" received recognition, indicating the Academy's nod to films addressing deep-rooted themes.
The failure of "Emilia Perez" also speaks to the unpredictable nature of the industry, illustrating how favor among critics does not always translate to wins at the Oscars. Many expected Demi Moore to claim Best Actress for her role, adding to the swirling disappointment for fans of the film. Moore’s loss, like many others, became fodder for chatter among the award circuit followers.
Another notable mention includes the Best International Feature Film, awarded to Brazil's "I’m Still Here," which continued to showcase the diverse narratives trending across cinema platforms worldwide. The original storytelling and unique cultural expressions are increasingly being highlighted, moving the conversation surrounding the Oscars beyond mere Hollywood boundaries.
Despite facing its controversies, this year's Academy Awards brought forward conversations surrounding representation, storytelling, and the relevance of music within film culture. The audience's responses spotlight the expectations placed on such events and the accountability of producers to meet those desires.
With the dust settling on this year's Oscars, discussions will undoubtedly carry on. The night’s drama, emotional speeches, and heartfelt acceptance of awards reflect the industry's continually shifting nature. Viewers are left to contemplate, analyze, and enjoy the artistry of filmmaking as they await next year’s likely discussion-packed event back on the iconic red carpet.