Oscar winner 2025 the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best films of 2024. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony was filled with historic wins, surprising upsets, and emotional speeches.
This year’s Oscars sanoraw “A” dominate with five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. There were also groundbreaking moments, such as Zoe Saldana’s historic win for Best Supporting Actress and Paul Tazewell’s milestone victory in Best Costume Design.
Here’s a detailed look at the winners, key moments, and industry reactions from the 2025 Oscars.
Best Picture: “Anora”
The top honor of the night went to “Anora“, a film directed by Sean Baker, which tells a deeply personal and thought-provoking story. Beating tough competition from films like The Brutalist, Oppenheimer, and Emilia Perez, “Anora” stood out for its strong narrative and innovative storytelling.
Sean Baker’s win solidifies his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring filmmakers. The film’s success at the Academy Awards was no surprise, as it had already won big at film festivals worldwide.
Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars in one night, tying with Walt Disney’s 1954 record. His vision for “Anora” was praised for its realistic portrayal of modern life and unique cinematography.
Baker’s acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to independent filmmaking, urging young filmmakers to take creative risks and tell meaningful stories.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Adrien Brody, who previously won an Oscar for The Pianist (2002), took home the Best Actor award for “The Brutalist”. His performance in the film was described as one of the most intense and transformative of his career.
The film, directed by Brady Corbet, tells the story of an immigrant architect in post-war America and the struggles he faces in pursuit of the American Dream.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
Mikey Madison’s powerful performance in “Anora” earned her the Best Actress award. Playing the film’s lead, she captured the complex emotions of her character, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
Her win was considered one of the biggest surprises of the night, as many had expected Emma Stone (Poor Things) or Lily Gladstone (killers of the Flower Moon) to win.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Kieran Culkin, best known for his role in Succession, won his first-ever Academy Award for his role in “A Real Pain”. His emotional performance and perfect comedic timing won over both the jury and the audience.
In his speech, Culkin humorously thanked his “Succession” fans while expressing gratitude to his co-stars and director.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez)
Zoe Saldana made history by becoming the first actress of Dominican heritage to win an Oscar. Her performance in “Emilia Perez” was praised as a career-defining moment.
In her emotional acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to Latinas in Hollywood and encouraged more diverse representation in cinema.
Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora)
Adding to “Anora’s” victories, Sean Baker also took home the Best Original Screenplay award. His script was praised for its deeply human storytelling and social commentary.
Baker’s screenplay was up against strong contenders, including Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall”.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
Peter Straughan won for his adaptation of “Conclave”, a film that explores the intense and secretive process of electing a new pope. The film was widely praised for its sharp dialogue and political intrigue.
Best Animated Feature: “Flow”
The animated film “Flow” took home the award for Best Animated Feature. Known for its stunning visuals and touching narrative, it outshined competitors like Pixar’s “Elemental” and “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse”.
Best International Feature: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” won the Best International Feature Film award. The film, which explores identity, resilience and social justice, resonated with international audiences.
Best Documentary Feature: “No Other Land”
The documentary “No Other Land” won for its powerful storytelling and impactful message. It was one of the most discussed films of the awards season.
Technical and Creative Awards
- Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
- Best Film Editing: Anora
- Best Production Design: Wicked
- Best Costume Design: Wicked (Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win in this category)
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Wicked
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Visual Effects: Part Two
- Best Original Score: Wicked
- Best Original Song: El Mal from Emilia Perez
Oscars 2025: Highlights and Surprises
1. The Dominance of “Anora”
Winning five awards, Anora was the night’s biggest winner, cementing Sean Baker’s place among Hollywood’s top filmmakers.
2. Zoe Saldana’s Historic Win
Her victory in Best Supporting Actress was a landmark moment for Latina representation in Hollywood.
3. Paul Tazewell’s Costume Design Milestone
Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design, a significant achievement in Oscar history.
4. Kieran Culkin’s First Oscar
After years in the industry, Culkin’s first Oscar win was a fan-favorite moment of the night.
5. Adrien Brody’s Comeback
Winning Best Actor for “The Brutalist”, Brody proved that he remains one the industry’s most talented performers.
Reactions and Industry Impact
While Anora’s success was widely celebrated, some critics felt it overshadowed strong contenders like The Brutalist Emilia Perez.
On social media, fans debated whether Mikey Madison’s win for Best Actress was deserved over Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone. Meanwhile, there was praise for the Academy’s increasing diversity and inclusivity in nominations and wins.
Final Thoughts
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated a new wave of filmmaking talent, with historic wins and fresh voices taking center stage. Sean Baker’s record-breaking night and Zoe Saldana’s milestone victory were among the most talked-about moments.
With Hollywood evolving, the Oscars 2005 set a precedent for recognizing diverse stories, fresh narratives, and bold storytelling.
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