LOS ANGELES — The 97th Academy Awards made headlines not just for the films honored but also for the significance of the winners themselves. Sean Baker’s film Anora, described as a gritty, Brooklyn-set screwball farce, took home the prestigious Best Picture award, emphasizing the Academy's recognition of independent filmmaking.
During the ceremony, Baker not only won Best Picture but also claimed four additional Oscars, signifying his dominance throughout the awards season. He stated, "This is not just my win; it’s for independent films. The Academy is telling us to keep making these stories.”
The evening was filled with significant firsts. Latvia and Brazil celebrated their inaugural Oscar wins for their respective films, securing triumphs for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature. Notably, Paul Tazewell became the first Black winner of the Best Costume Design category for his work on Wicked.
Mikey Madison, the lead actress in Anora, received the Oscar for Best Actress, marking her ascent from television to film star at just 25. Madison reflected, “This role changed my life. I’m proud of where we came from.” Her character’s provocative story was made compelling by the film's exploration of love, identity, and the struggles of sex workers.
Adrien Brody clinched his second Oscar, winning for his portrayal of Lázló Tóth, a Holocaust survivor seeking his American Dream in The Brutalist. Brody’s performance, which encompasses three decades of his character's artistic challenges, received high praise.
The awards night commenced with vibrant performances, including opening acts by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who engaged the audience with powerful renditions celebrating Los Angeles. They highlighted the late Quincy Jones's influence, leading to emotional tributes interspersed throughout the evening.
Sean Baker, during his acceptance speech for Best Director, acknowledged Madison's contribution, stating, “Without her, there is no film.” This bond reflected the collaborative spirit embraced during the event.
Other notable winners included Zoe Saldaña, who won Best Supporting Actress for her work on Emilia Pérez. Saldaña's Oscar is seen as crowning her successful awards season, having also received accolades from other prestigious organizations.
Following the ceremony, the festivities continued with nominees mingling at the Dolby Theatre’s lobby bar, sharing laughs and insights about their experiences. Emma Stone was seen celebrating Kieran Culkin's win for Best Supporting Actor, excitedly reminiscing about the film A Real Pain and the story behind Culkin’s decision to join the film just before production.
Jubilant moments included Mikey Madison’s animated interaction after securing her win, as she mingled with fellow nominees, and Adrien Brody connecting with Timothée Chalamet, showcasing the collaborative atmosphere of Hollywood's elite.
Outside the main competition, the Best International Film award went to I'm Still Here, which examines the traumatic impact of Brazil’s military dictatorship, drawing on the emotional depth of actress Fernanda Torres's performance.
O’Brien, who hosted the ceremony for the first time, entertained the audience with his humor, providing moments of levity amid the awards discourse. He made light remarks about the Oscars being the “biggest night” for Hollywood’s stars, even acknowledging the tension leading up to the event.
One of the standout pieces addressing social issues was No Other Land, which won Best Documentary. This film about Palestinian activists engaged the audience and reflected the complex climate surrounding contemporary issues.
Significantly, the Oscar stage was adorned with political statements this year. Many attendees wore pins and messages supporting various global issues such as peace for Palestine and solidarity with Ukraine. Guy Pearce, for example, sported a pin reflecting his advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Among the night’s highlights were musical tributes to the James Bond franchise featuring contemporary artists like Doja Cat and RAYE, marking the iconic series' long-standing influence on cinema.
Much like the films awarded, the ceremony itself turned out to be one for the history books, not only for its recognitions but for the reflection of society's prevailing challenges. The effort to break barriers was palpable, from the nominations through to the winners’ speeches.
With many films celebrating diverse representation and significant storytelling, the Oscars were not just about awards but about creating spaces for these narratives to exist and thrive within Hollywood.
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