The 97th Academy Awards, Oscar 2025 , Anora Dominate With 5 Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated a remarkable year in cinema, with independent films and diverse storytelling taking center stage. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the evening was filled with memorable moments, historic wins, and a reflection of the evolving landscape of the film industry.

Anora's Triumph

Sean Baker's indie masterpiece, Anora, emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing five Oscars:

Best Picture: Anora

Best Director: Sean Baker

Best Actress: Mikey Madison

Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker

Best Editing: Anora

This achievement marked Baker as the first filmmaker to win four Oscars for a single film in the ceremony's history. 

Anora's success underscores the growing recognition of independent, character-driven narratives in mainstream cinema.

Adrien Brody's Resurgence

Adrien Brody delivered a powerful performance in The Brutalist, earning him the Best Actor award. This win signifies Brody's remarkable return to the Oscars stage, reflecting his dedication to complex and challenging roles. 

Notable Acting Honors

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain

Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

Saldaña's win is particularly significant, as it highlights her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling. 

International and Animated Features

The global diversity of cinema was celebrated with:

Best International Feature: I'm Still Here (Brazil)

Best Animated Feature: Flow (Latvia)

I'm Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, marks a milestone for Brazilian cinema, while Flow, by Gints Zilbalodis, brought Latvia its first Oscar. 

Technical Achievements

Dune: Part Two was recognized for its technical excellence, winning:

Best Sound: Dune: Part Two

Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

Additionally, Wicked received accolades for:

Best Production Design: Wicked

Best Costume Design: Wicked

Notably, Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. 

Memorable Moments

The ceremony also featured a special tribute to Quincy Jones, honoring his extensive contributions to the music and film industries. 

Zoe Saldaña addressed the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez during her acceptance speech, reflecting the industry's ongoing dialogue about representation and cultural sensitivity. 

The 2025 Oscars highlighted a transformative period in cinema, where independent films, diverse narratives, and technical artistry were celebrated. The night's winners exemplify the industry's commitment to embracing a wide range of voices and stories, setting a hopeful precedent for the future of filmmaking.