The 97th Academy Awards lit up Hollywood on March 2, 2025, celebrating a year of extraordinary cinema. With Conan O’Brien at the helm as host, the night delivered both expected victories and a few surprises. Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, taking home Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, solidifying its place in cinematic history. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison secured top acting honors, marking a defining moment in their careers.
‘Anora’ Claims Best Picture and More
Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ took center stage as it secured the coveted Best Picture award. The film, a romantic comedy-drama, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Beyond Best Picture, it also triumphed in the Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing categories, making it a dominant force of the evening.
Baker’s commitment to authentic storytelling and his signature ability to capture raw, human moments were once again recognized. His triple win further cements his reputation as one of the industry’s most compelling filmmakers.
Sean Baker Wins Best Director
With ‘Anora’ sweeping multiple categories, it was no surprise when Sean Baker clinched the Best Director award. This marks his third Oscar win, a testament to his evolving craft.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Baker underscored the importance of preserving theatrical experiences. “Movies belong on the big screen,” he stated, urging filmmakers to continue creating for cinema rather than solely for streaming platforms.
Adrien Brody Clinches Best Actor
Adrien Brody, already an Oscar winner, added another golden statuette to his collection. His portrayal of László Tóth in ‘The Brutalist’ won him Best Actor, marking a career-defining comeback.
Competing against Timothée Chalamet and Ralph Fiennes, Brody’s deeply nuanced performance in Brady Corbet’s historical drama stood out, winning over the Academy.
Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress for ‘Anora’
Mikey Madison took home Best Actress for her portrayal of a layered and emotionally rich character in ‘Anora’. Her win was met with roaring applause, as many saw it as a breakthrough moment for the young actress.
With her nuanced performance earning widespread acclaim, Madison is now positioned as one of Hollywood’s most promising leading women.
Zoe Saldaña Secures Best Supporting Actress
Zoe Saldaña delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the night as she accepted Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Emilia Pérez’.
Honoring her immigrant parents, she spoke about perseverance and gratitude, thanking her husband for his unwavering support. Her win marked a significant career milestone, proving her versatility beyond blockbuster roles.
‘Dune: Part Two’ Leads Technical Categories
While ‘Anora’ swept major awards, ‘Dune: Part Two’ dominated in technical categories, winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. The sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi saga lived up to its predecessor’s legacy, showcasing groundbreaking visuals and immersive sound design.
Notable Wins of the Night
- Best Animated Feature went to ‘Flow’, surpassing ‘The Wild Robot’.
- ‘In the Shadow of the Cypress’ won Best Animated Short Film.
- ‘Wicked’ claimed both Best Production Design and Costume Design, with Paul Tazewell making history as the first Black artist to win in the costume category.
- ‘No Other Land’ was awarded Best Documentary Feature, while ‘The Only Girl in the Orchestra’ won Best Documentary Short Film.
With a mix of historic wins and industry-shaping moments, the 2025 Oscars proved to be an unforgettable night for cinema lovers.
