Anora Dominates the Night with Five Major Wins
The independent drama “Anora”, directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the biggest winner at the 97th Academy Awards, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay. The film’s gritty realism, compelling social themes, and raw performances earned widespread acclaim. Sean Baker made history by becoming the first filmmaker to win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay for the same film in a single night.
Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return to the Oscars
Adrien Brody secured the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in The Brutalist. His portrayal of an immigrant architect struggling to establish himself was hailed as one of the best of his career, marking his second Academy Award win.
Zoe Saldaña Wins First Oscar for Emilia Pérez
After years of delivering memorable performances in blockbuster films, Zoe Saldaña finally clinched her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. Her deeply emotional performance was praised for showcasing her incredible depth and versatility as an actress.
Kieran Culkin’s Career-Defining Moment
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, a long-awaited recognition for his exceptional talent. His heartfelt acceptance speech, in which he spoke about his journey from child actor to Oscar winner, was one of the night’s most emotional highlights.
Other Noteworthy Wins
- Dune: Part Two – Won Best Visual Effects and Best Sound for its groundbreaking CGI and immersive audio design.
- Conclave – Took home Best Adapted Screenplay, impressing audiences with its engaging adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel.
- Wicked – Honored with Best Production Design, thanks to its breathtaking set pieces and costume work.
Biggest Surprises and Shocking Snubs
Every Oscars night comes with unexpected victories and major disappointments. One of the biggest surprises of the night was Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win for Anora, which stunned many as Demi Moore had been widely expected to take the award. Similarly, the Best Animated Feature category saw an upset as Flow beat out Pixar’s Elemental Echo. On the flip side, the highly anticipated Oppenheimer sequel was completely snubbed, failing to win in any major category.
Conan O’Brien’s Hilarious Hosting & Memorable Moments
Hosting the Oscars for the first time, Conan O’Brien delivered a sharp and witty monologue, playfully mocking Hollywood’s latest trends, including AI-generated films.
One of the night’s most emotional moments was Kieran Culkin’s acceptance speech, in which he reflected on his long journey in the industry. The Best Original Song winner, “A Sky Beyond” from The Last Horizon, was performed live, receiving a standing ovation.
The In Memoriam tribute honored Hollywood legends who had passed away over the past year, featuring a heartfelt performance by Billie Eilish, which left the audience deeply moved.
A Night to Remember
The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered as a celebration of storytelling, innovation, and artistic brilliance. With “Anora” leading the night, Adrien Brody’s return to glory, and emotional wins for Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin, the Oscars 2025 showcased the very best of cinema, talent, and creativity. As Hollywood continues to evolve, this year’s awards set the stage for another exciting year in filmmaking.
