The 97th Academy Awards, held on the night of March 2, 2025, became the talk of the town with its undeniable mix of glamour and spirited discussions surrounding various controversies. The event kicked off with a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles, followed by performances from stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
This year, Sean Baker's Anora triumphed, taking home the Oscar for Best Picture among other prestigious awards. The film also marked the independent cinema scene's significant presence with five awards overall, showcasing the evolution of films produced outside major Hollywood studios.
Sean Baker made history during the ceremony as he became the first individual to win four Oscars for a single movie, securing wins for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, alongside the coveted Best Picture. His emotional acceptance speech highlighted the creativity and hard work of independent artists. “This film was made thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible independent artists,” he said, emphasizing the film’s grassroots origins.
Mikey Madison, the film's breakout star, was awarded Best Actress for her powerful performance, expressing gratitude to sex workers everywhere. Instead of the anticipated win for Demi Moore, Madison brought home the Oscar, capturing the hearts of many with her role.
Meanwhile, Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, which showcases the life of a Holocaust survivor facing modern-day challenges. Brody reflected on the nature of past traumas and the importance of addressing societal issues. “If the past can teach us anything, it’s to keep hatred unchecked,” he remarked during his acceptance speech.
Kieran Culkin, recognized for his role in A Real Pain, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, reinforcing the outstanding performances across independent storytelling platforms.
The awards were not all celebratory, particularly for Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. Despite high expectations and taking thirteen nominations, the film only won two: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for “El Mal,” performed by Camille and Clément Ducol. Saldaña took the stage to highlight her pride as the first Dominican-American to win the prestigious award. Her moving words about diversity resonate significantly within the industry.
On the international front, the Brazilian film Je suis toujours là claimed the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, leaving French audiences disappointed as their entries were outshined once again. Audiard, weary of the controversies surrounding his film, expressed fatigue over pre-ceremony discussions about the controversies spurred by lead actress Gascon’s past social media remarks.
One cannot overlook the independent success of Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, showcasing the potential of international co-productions. The film follows the story of a courageous cat’s struggles against climate change, echoing contemporary global challenges.
Throughout the evening, political discourse lingered just below the surface. Conan O’Brien, the host for the night, managed to deliver light-hearted humor intertwined with subtle jabs at the current political climate. His comments about Americans yearning for someone to confront “a powerful Russian” were met with applause, as they tied back to Sean Baker’s narrative of defiance against privilege and oligarchy.
Notably, immediate outside issues like the war on Gaza and the invasion of Ukraine were lightly touched upon, primarily during Adrien Brody and Zoe Saldaña's speeches. While not dominating the evening, these references contributed to the night's gravity, reminding audiences of the realities outside the film industry.
The ceremony also included tributes to the heroic firefighters of Los Angeles, honoring their dedication and sacrifice during unprecedented wildfires earlier this year. This heartfelt acknowledgment illustrated the industry’s intertwining with contemporary societal issues.
The complete list of winners showcases the diversity and talent shaping today’s cinematic universe. With Anora leading the charge, it appears the Academy Awards have opened their doors wider to independent voices and compelling narratives emanated from smaller productions.
Reflecting on the outcome, this year’s Oscars embodied not just cinematic excellence but also the need for continual dialogues surrounding diversity, inclusivity, and the ramifications of social issues on the arts.
For those who missed the events, the highlights will serve as reminders of the industry’s resilience and adaptability, two qualities necessary to navigate future turbulent waters. With the talents showcased tonight, hope remains high for the evolution of storytelling on larger platforms.
The 97th Academy Awards, captured various moments of celebration, overshadowed by reflections on inclusivity and awareness, marking yet another notable evening for Hollywood.