The 97th Academy Awards brought an evening of unforgettable moments, with Sean Baker’s Anora emerging as the big winner of the night. The indie drama not only took home the coveted Best Picture award but also earned Sean Baker the Best Director trophy and the Best Original Screenplay win. Meanwhile, other critically acclaimed films such as The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and Emilia Pérez made their mark across multiple categories.
Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison Shine in Acting Categories
Adrien Brody, who previously won an Oscar for The Pianist, made a triumphant return, clinching the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist. His portrayal of an immigrant architect navigating post-war America was hailed as one of the finest performances of his career.
On the Best Actress front, Mikey Madison stunned everyone with her win for Anora, marking a major milestone in her career. Her gripping portrayal of a young woman caught in unexpected circumstances resonated with both audiences and critics.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin took home his first Oscar for his performance in A Real Pain, a bittersweet drama that further established him as a formidable talent beyond television.
The Best Supporting Actress honor went to Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez, a musical crime drama that was one of the night’s most unique contenders.
Diverse and Bold Films Dominate the Awards
The Oscars this year saw a wide range of films taking home top honors, reflecting a shift toward diverse storytelling.
- Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the biggest winner with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
- The Brutalist made a strong impression, winning Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce), Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.
- Emilia Pérez also had a major presence, winning Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña), Best International Feature (France), and Best Original Song (“El Mal”).
- Dune: Part Two reaffirmed its technical dominance, taking home Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
- Wicked dazzled in design, winning Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
Notable Wins in Screenplay Categories
In the writing categories, Peter Straughan took home Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, a gripping drama set in the secretive world of Vatican politics. Meanwhile, Sean Baker’s screenplay for Anora won Best Original Screenplay, further cementing his film’s dominance.
International and Animated Features
The Best International Feature Film category saw Brazil’s I’m Still Here taking home the award, outshining strong contenders from Denmark (The Girl with the Needle), France (Emilia Pérez), Germany (The Seed of the Sacred Fig), and Latvia (Flow).
In animation, Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow was the surprise winner for Best Animated Feature, beating Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The Best Animated Short Film award went to In the Shadow of the Cypress, directed by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi.
Technical Achievements: A Mix of Spectacle and Style
From sound design to production design, technical categories were fiercely competitive this year.
- The Substance won Best Makeup and Hairstyling, a well-deserved nod to its transformative effects.
- Wicked excelled in Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, reaffirming its grand visual appeal.
- Dune: Part Two was a standout in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, continuing its franchise’s dominance in these areas.
A Night to Remember
The Oscars 2025 will be remembered for its celebration of independent cinema, diverse storytelling, and groundbreaking performances. Anora’s big wins marked a shift toward intimate, character-driven stories, while films like The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and Dune: Part Two added layers of artistic and technical brilliance to the awards night.
As Hollywood looks ahead, this year’s winners set a high bar for storytelling, inclusivity, and innovation, making the 97th Academy Awards a historic moment in film history.
