The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating the best in film from the past year. The night was marked by significant wins, particularly for the film “Anora,” which dominated the ceremony with five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Key Takeaways
- Best Picture: “Anora” won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
- Historic Wins: Zoe Saldaña became the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar.
- Notable Performances: Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison took home the top acting awards.
Major Winners
| Category | Winner | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Anora | The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two |
| Best Director | Sean Baker, Anora | Brady Corbet, The Brutalist; Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez |
| Best Actor | Adrien Brody, The Brutalist | Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown |
| Best Actress | Mikey Madison, Anora | Cynthia Erivo, Wicked; Demi Moore, The Substance |
| Best Supporting Actor | Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain | Yura Borisov, Anora; Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown |
| Best Supporting Actress | Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez | Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown; Ariana Grande, Wicked |
| Best Animated Feature | Flow | Inside Out 2, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl |
| Best International Feature | I’m Still Here (Brazil) | Emilia Pérez (France), The Girl with the Needle (Denmark) |
| Best Documentary Feature | No Other Land | Black Box Diaries, Sugarcane |
| Best Original Song | “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez | “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight |
Highlights of the Ceremony
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, featured a variety of performances, including a medley from “Wicked” and a tribute to Quincy Jones. The event was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, attracting a global audience.
In a year marked by challenges, including the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the Oscars provided a moment of celebration and reflection for the film industry.
Noteworthy Achievements
- Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar for her role in “Emilia Pérez.”
- Paul Tazewell became the first Black male to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.”
The 2025 Oscars not only recognized outstanding cinematic achievements but also highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in Hollywood. As the night concluded, the film community celebrated both the winners and the stories that continue to shape the industry.
