The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by the ever-charismatic Conan O’Brien, lit up television screens across the nation as it broadcasted live from the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood on March 2, 2025. The event was a dazzling spectacle, honoring outstanding achievements in cinema while also paying tribute to the heroes and victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Anora Steals the Spotlight with Five Wins
The biggest winner of the night was Anora, which took home an impressive five awards, including the highly coveted Best Picture. The film, which tells the compelling story of an erotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch, solidified its dominance in multiple categories.
Director Sean Baker was one of the evening’s standout figures, winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, highlighting his prowess as a storyteller. The film’s leading lady, Mikey Madison, delivered a mesmerizing performance, earning her the Best Actress award. During his acceptance speech, Baker emphasized the importance of independent filmmaking and its ability to tell unique, powerful stories.
Memorable Wins in Acting Categories
Beyond Anora’s triumph, other talented actors also shone in major acting categories:
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody clinched the award for his gripping performance in The Brutalist.
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin captivated audiences in A Real Pain, securing the win.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award, thanks to her stellar performance in Emilia Pérez.
Groundbreaking International and Animated Wins
This year’s Oscars saw multiple historic firsts in various categories:
- Latvia celebrated its first-ever Oscar win with Flow taking home Best Animated Feature.
- Brazil joined the Academy Award winners club with I’m Still Here earning Best International Feature Film.
- The documentary category recognized No Other Land with the Best Documentary Feature award.
- Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, another strong contender of the evening.
Diversity and First-Time Wins in Technical Categories
The 97th Oscars also spotlighted incredible achievements in technical fields:
- Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his stunning work in Wicked, which also won Best Production Design.
- The Brutalist earned top honors in Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
- Dune: Part Two secured wins in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, reinforcing its reputation for technical brilliance.
- The Substance impressed the Academy with its outstanding craftsmanship, winning Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
A Night of Unforgettable Performances and Tributes
The ceremony was packed with breathtaking performances and heartfelt tributes that added to the magic of the evening:
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the show with a show-stopping performance celebrating Wicked.
- A high-energy James Bond tribute featured Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, and Raye, blending modern music with classic Bond nostalgia.
- Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey honored the legendary Quincy Jones, celebrating his immense contributions to the music and film industry.
- Morgan Freeman led a touching In Memoriam tribute for his longtime friend, Gene Hackman, commemorating his legacy in Hollywood.
- The Los Angeles Master Chorale delivered a soul-stirring performance that added to the event’s grandeur.
Full List of Major Award Winners
Best Picture
🏆 Anora
Best Director
🏆 Sean Baker (Anora)
Best Actress
🏆 Mikey Madison (Anora)
Best Actor
🏆 Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Best International Feature Film
🏆 I’m Still Here (Brazil)
Best Animated Feature
🏆 Flow
Best Original Screenplay
🏆 Anora – Sean Baker
Best Adapted Screenplay
🏆 Conclave – Peter Straughan
Best Original Song
🏆 El Mal (Emilia Pérez)
Best Original Score
🏆 The Brutalist
Best Documentary Feature
🏆 No Other Land
Best Costume Design
🏆 Wicked
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
🏆 The Substance
Best Production Design
🏆 Wicked
Best Sound
🏆 Dune: Part Two
Best Film Editing
🏆 Anora
Best Cinematography
🏆 The Brutalist
Best Visual Effects
🏆 Dune: Part Two
Best Live Action Short
🏆 I’m Not a Robot
Best Animated Short
🏆 In the Shadow of the Cypress
Best Documentary Short
🏆 The Only Girl in the Orchestra
A Night to Remember
This year’s Academy Awards proved to be a historic and celebratory affair, recognizing diverse storytelling, groundbreaking talent, and technical brilliance. The event reflected the evolving landscape of the film industry while upholding the Oscars’ longstanding tradition of honoring cinematic excellence.
With stunning wins, memorable performances, and poignant tributes, the 97th Academy Awards once again cemented itself as Hollywood’s most glamorous and prestigious night.
