The 97th Academy Awards delivered a night of surprises, historic wins, and unforgettable moments as Sean Baker’s “Anora” dominated the evening, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.
The star-studded event, held in Los Angeles, saw established icons and rising talents battle for the golden statuettes in what has been described as one of the most competitive Oscar races in years.
🏆 Biggest Winners of the Night
Best Picture: “Anora” Triumphs
Sean Baker’s Anora—a raw and intimate drama—stood out among major contenders like The Brutalist, Conclave, and Dune: Part Two. The indie darling’s win solidifies Baker’s reputation as a master storyteller.
Sean Baker Wins Best Director
Baker’s Best Director win over seasoned names like James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) and Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez) proves the Academy’s growing appreciation for independent filmmaking.
Mikey Madison Stuns with Best Actress Win
Madison’s performance in Anora was met with critical acclaim, and her Best Actress win over powerhouse names like Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) and Demi Moore (The Substance) marked one of the most talked-about victories.
Adrien Brody Claims Best Actor for “The Brutalist”
Brody’s deeply emotional performance in The Brutalist earned him his second career Oscar, outshining contenders like Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing).
🎭 Notable Acting Wins
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Both Culkin and Saldaña’s wins were met with roaring applause, solidifying their incredible performances in their respective films.
🎶 Musical & Technical Achievements
Best Original Song: “El Mal” (Emilia Pérez)
The musical drama Emilia Pérez continued its winning streak with “El Mal” taking Best Original Song, edging out songs from Sing Sing and Wicked.
Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”
The haunting score of The Brutalist captured the mood of the film perfectly, earning it the Best Original Score awardover Emilia Pérez and Conclave.
Best Animated Feature: “Flow”
The Academy recognized the beautiful storytelling of “Flow”, awarding it Best Animated Feature over Inside Out 2and The Wild Robot.
🎥 Technical Mastery Recognized
- Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
- Best Film Editing: Anora
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Best Production Design: Wicked
Dune: Part Two continued its legacy in the technical categories, securing Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, while Wicked took Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
🌍 Historic Wins & Surprises
- Brazil’s I’m Still Here took Best International Feature, making history as one of the few Brazilian films to win in this category.
- Nosferatu was expected to win Best Makeup and Hairstyling, but The Substance pulled off a surprise win.
- A Real Pain brought Kieran Culkin his first Oscar win, further cementing his acting range beyond television.
🏆 A Night to Remember
The Oscars 2025 celebrated diversity, artistry, and innovation, proving that independent films can stand tall alongside big-budget productions. From “Anora”’s stunning sweep to “Dune: Part Two”’s technical dominance, this year’s Academy Awards showcased the best of what cinema has to offer.
With emerging talents rising and established stars reaffirming their legacy, the future of filmmaking looks brighter than ever. 🎥✨
