The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night filled with glamour, recognition, and unforgettable moments. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honored the finest achievements in filmmaking over the past year. From groundbreaking wins to emotional speeches, the night was a celebration of cinema’s evolution, highlighting the artistry, creativity, and diversity within the industry.
A Night to Remember
This year’s Oscars proved to be a remarkable event, featuring powerful speeches, dazzling performances, and some surprising wins. The film industry has continued to evolve, embracing new voices and narratives, and this year’s winners reflected that progress. Notable moments included Paul Tazewell’s historic win in Costume Design and Sean Baker’s dominance in multiple categories for his film Anora.
The event began with a lively opening monologue from Conan O’Brien, who seamlessly blended humor with heartfelt acknowledgments of the nominees’ contributions to cinema. His comedic presence added a lighthearted touch to the evening, setting the tone for an enjoyable ceremony.
The Major Winners
Best Picture: Anora
Anora was the night’s biggest winner, taking home the prestigious Best Picture award. Directed by Sean Baker, the film captivated audiences with its raw storytelling and immersive cinematography. Its triumph in multiple categories reaffirmed its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Best Director: Sean Baker — Anora
Sean Baker’s visionary work on Anora earned him the Best Director award. Known for his ability to tell deeply human stories with a distinctive style, Baker’s direction played a pivotal role in the film’s success. His win was widely celebrated as a testament to his storytelling prowess and dedication to authentic filmmaking.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison — Anora
Mikey Madison delivered a career-defining performance in Anora, portraying the complexities of her character with remarkable depth and authenticity. Her win for Best Actress was well-deserved, marking a significant milestone in her acting career.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody — The Brutalist
Adrien Brody’s powerful portrayal in The Brutalist earned him the Best Actor award. His nuanced performance brought depth to the character, resonating with audiences and critics alike. Brody’s win further solidified his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña — Emilia Pérez
Zoe Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez earned her the Best Supporting Actress accolade. Her compelling performance added emotional weight to the film, making a lasting impact on audiences. Saldaña’s win was a significant moment, further cementing her status as a versatile actress.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin — A Real Pain
Kieran Culkin’s standout performance in A Real Pain won him the Best Supporting Actor award. Known for his dynamic acting range, Culkin’s role in the film showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters.
Complete List of Winners
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker — Anora
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison — Anora
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody — The Brutalist
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña — Emilia Pérez
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin — A Real Pain
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker — Anora
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan — Conclave
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
- Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
- Best Film Editing: Sean Baker — Anora
- Best Production Design: Wicked
- Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell — Wicked
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Original Score: The Brutalist
- Best Original Song: “Eternal Light” from Emilia Pérez
Notable Achievements and Historic Wins
Paul Tazewell’s Historic Costume Design Win
Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. His intricate and breathtaking costume designs played a crucial role in bringing the film’s characters to life, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Sean Baker’s Multi-Award Night
Sean Baker’s dominance at the Oscars was one of the most remarkable aspects of the evening. Winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing for Anora, Baker proved himself as one of the most talented filmmakers of this generation. His ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives with a distinct visual style has earned him widespread acclaim.
International Cinema Recognition
Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature Film, highlighting the global nature of storytelling. The film’s poignant narrative and powerful performances captivated audiences worldwide, making it a deserving winner.
Memorable Moments from the Ceremony
Tributes and Legacy Celebrations
The In Memoriam segment paid tribute to industry legends who passed away in the past year, accompanied by a touching musical performance. The ceremony also celebrated the legacies of iconic filmmakers and actors whose contributions have shaped cinema.
Emotional Acceptance Speeches
The night was filled with heartfelt speeches. Mikey Madison dedicated her win to aspiring young actors, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite challenges. Adrien Brody expressed gratitude to his co-stars and filmmakers, emphasizing the collaborative nature of cinema.
Musical Performances
Live performances of the nominated songs added a musical spectacle to the evening. “Eternal Light” from Emilia Pérez, which won Best Original Song, was performed live, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The Impact of the 97th Academy Awards
This year’s Oscars underscored the evolving landscape of cinema. With increasing recognition of diverse narratives, international films, and independent filmmakers, the Academy continues to embrace change. The success of films like Anora and The Brutalist demonstrates a growing appreciation for bold storytelling and innovative filmmaking.
The 97th Academy Awards was more than just a night of glitz and glamour—it was a celebration of the artistry, passion, and dedication that drive the film industry forward. As Hollywood and global cinema continue to evolve, this year’s winners and nominees have set new standards, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and artists.
With this ceremony behind us, audiences and critics alike eagerly anticipate what the next year in film will bring. If the 97th Academy Awards were any indication, the future of cinema is bright, diverse, and full of groundbreaking stories waiting to be told.