The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 2, 2025, delivered a night of surprises, historic wins, and intense competition.
This year’s Oscars celebrated groundbreaking films, powerful performances, and fresh talent, making it one of the most unpredictable ceremonies in recent memory.
Anora Dominates the Night
Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s bold storytelling and unique vision captivated audiences, solidifying Baker’s place among the top directors in Hollywood.
Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor
Adrien Brody delivered a career-defining performance in The Brutalist, earning him the Best Actor award. His portrayal outshined strong contenders like Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing).
Mikey Madison Triumphs as Best Actress
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her powerful role in Anora, edging out Demi Moore (The Substance) and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). Madison’s performance was praised for its depth and emotional intensity.
Supporting Categories: Clean Sweeps for Culkin and Saldaña
Kieran Culkin completed his award season sweep by winning Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, marking a historic win for the seasoned actress.
Surprise Wins in Animation and International Feature
Latvia’s Flow defied expectations by winning Best Animated Feature, beating major studio films like Inside Out 2. In the International Feature category, Brazil’s I’m Still Here secured a well-deserved victory.
Technical Achievements and Music Highlights
- Cinematography: Greig Fraser for Dune: Part Two
- Original Score: Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist
- Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Original Song: “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez
A Night of Diversity and Talent
The 2025 Oscars celebrated both established stars and emerging voices, highlighting the evolving landscape of the film industry. With Anora leading the pack, the night proved that bold, innovative cinema continues to shape the future of filmmaking.
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