The 97th Academy Awards brought a wave of fresh energy to Hollywood’s biggest night, celebrating bold storytelling, breakthrough performances, and the undeniable power of independent cinema. With Anora leading the pack, international and indie films took center stage, redefining the Oscars landscape. Hosted by the ever-witty Conan O’Brien, the evening was filled with unexpected wins, heartfelt speeches, and moments that will be talked about for years to come.
The biggest winner of the night was Sean Baker’s Anora, which dominated with five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film, which had already impressed critics by winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, solidified Baker’s place among the industry’s most visionary directors. With his four individual wins, Baker tied Walt Disney’s 1954 record for the most Oscars won by a single person in one night.
Adrien Brody, known for his legendary performance in The Pianist, returned to the Oscar spotlight, winning Best Actor for The Brutalist. His deeply immersive performance was hailed as a career-defining role, earning him his second Academy Award.
The night also belonged to Zoe Saldaña, who took home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. In doing so, she became the first American actress of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, marking a historic moment in representation. Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain earned him Best Supporting Actor, further cementing his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
While independent films dominated the main categories, technical awards saw blockbusters shine. The highly anticipated musical Wicked dazzled in Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, with Paul Tazewell making history as the first Black designer to win in the category. Dune: Part Two showcased its sci-fi brilliance by winning Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, reaffirming its status as a cinematic powerhouse.
International cinema made a strong impression, with Brazil’s I’m Still Here winning Best International Feature Film—a significant moment for Latin American cinema. In the documentary category, No Other Land, a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, took home Best Documentary Feature, proving that cinema remains one of the most powerful tools for storytelling and social impact.
Despite the triumphs, the night was not without controversy. Emilia Pérez, which had already been a talking point due to its portrayal of Mexico and trans representation, faced backlash, particularly after old tweets from one of its stars resurfaced, forcing an awkward apology. Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien’s hosting, though filled with his signature humor, drew mixed reviews—some praised his wit, while others felt the ceremony dragged on too long.
Where to Watch the Oscar-Winning Films
For those eager to catch up on the night’s biggest winners, streaming platforms have made it easier than ever:
- Anora will be available on Hulu starting March 17.
- The Brutalist can be purchased on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
- Wicked will be streaming exclusively on Peacock from March 21.
- The animated winner Flow is now available on Max.
A New Era for the Oscars?
With independent and international films taking the spotlight, the 2025 Oscars signaled a shift in Hollywood’s focus—one that embraces bold storytelling, diverse perspectives, and the evolution of cinema beyond the traditional studio system. As the industry continues to change, one thing remains clear: film lovers everywhere are in for an exciting future.
This year’s Academy Awards celebrated not just the best in film, but the power of storytelling that transcends borders, genres, and expectations. Whether through a gripping indie drama, a visually stunning blockbuster, or a groundbreaking international feature, the Oscars 2025 proved that great cinema knows no boundaries.
OSCAR WINNERS & NOMINATIONS 2025- 97th AWARDS
Best Picture
ANORA **WINNER**
Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Sean Baker, Producers
THE BRUTALIST
Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, D.J. Gugenheim and Brady Corbet, Producers
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Fred Berger, James Mangold and Alex Heineman, Producers
CONCLAVE
Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell and Michael A. Jackman, Producers
DUNE: PART TWO
Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe and Denis Villeneuve, Producers
EMILIA PÉREZ
Pascal Caucheteux and Jacques Audiard, Producers
I’M STILL HERE
Maria Carlota Bruno and Rodrigo Teixeira, Producers
NICKEL BOYS
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Joslyn Barnes, Producers
THE SUBSTANCE
Coralie Fargeat and Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner, Producers
WICKED
Marc Platt, Producer
