Introduction
The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 10, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Hosted by the ever-entertaining Conan O’Brien, the night was a dazzling celebration of cinematic excellence, recognizing the best films, performances, and technical achievements of 2024.
With historic wins, emotional speeches, and a few unexpected surprises, the Oscars 2025 stood out as one of the most memorable editions in recent years.
Oscar Awards 2025 Overview Table
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Anora | Directed by Sean Baker |
| Best Director | Sean Baker | Anora |
| Best Actor | Adrien Brody | The Brutalist |
| Best Actress | Mikey Madison | Anora |
| Best Supporting Actor | Kieran Culkin | A Real Pain |
| Best Supporting Actress | Zoe Saldaña | Emilia Pérez |
| Best Original Screenplay | Anora | Sean Baker & Chris Bergoch |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Oppenheimer | Christopher Nolan |
| Best Cinematography | The Brutalist | |
| Best Film Editing | Anora | |
| Best Animated Feature | Flow | |
| Best International Feature | The Zone of Interest | United Kingdom |
| Best Documentary Feature | 20 Days in Mariupol | |
| Best Visual Effects | Dune: Part Two | |
| Best Sound | Dune: Part Two | |
| Best Original Score | The Brutalist | |
| Best Costume Design | Wicked | |
| Best Production Design | Wicked |
Major Wins and Highlights
1. “Anora” Steals the Show
The biggest winner of the night was Anora, directed by Sean Baker. The film took home five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The raw and emotional storytelling of Anora left a significant mark on both audiences and critics.
2. Historic Wins
- Zoe Saldaña became the first Dominican-American to win Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
- Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for Wicked.
3. Best Actor and Actress Triumphs
- Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his gripping performance in The Brutalist, a film about an ambitious architect’s struggles in post-war America.
- Mikey Madison took home Best Actress for Anora, marking a defining moment in her career.
Venue and Award Ceremony Updates
This year’s Oscars saw some significant changes:
- The ceremony returned to the Dolby Theatre, maintaining the traditional grand setting.
- For the first time, the Oscars were simultaneously streamed on Hulu, expanding global accessibility.
- A newly designed stage featured advanced lighting and holographic effects, adding a futuristic touch to the presentation.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered for its historic wins, spectacular performances, and a blend of emotional and controversial moments. With Anora leading the pack and Dune: Part Two dominating technical categories, the Oscars 2025 was a night that truly celebrated the power of cinema.
