97th Academy Awards Winners – Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, marked another historic night in the world of cinema. The event, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrated the most outstanding films, performances, and technical achievements of the past year. This year’s Oscars saw independent films making a significant mark, with Anora emerging as the biggest winner. Let’s take a deep dive into the night’s biggest wins, surprises, and trends.
The Big Winners of the Night
The 97th Oscars celebrated an impressive array of films, with Anora, The Brutalist, and Dune: Part Two leading the night. Below is a breakdown of the most significant wins:
Best Picture: “Anora”
The critically acclaimed Anora, directed by Sean Baker, won the Best Picture award. The independent drama, which tells a gripping and emotional story, became the most awarded film of the night, bagging a total of five Oscars.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison for “Anora”
Mikey Madison’s powerful portrayal in Anora earned her the Best Actress award. Her nuanced and emotionally charged performance solidified her place among Hollywood’s finest talents.
Best Director: Sean Baker for “Anora”
Sean Baker not only directed the Best Picture winner but also took home the Best Director award. His masterful storytelling and realistic depiction of human emotions in Anora won over the Academy and audiences alike.
Best Original Screenplay: “Anora”
Sean Baker took home another Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, adding to the film’s list of accolades.
Best Film Editing: “Anora”
Sean Baker’s work continued to shine as Anora also won Best Film Editing.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist”
Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist was widely praised, earning him his second Best Actor award. His role in this thought-provoking drama resonated deeply with critics and audiences.
Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist”
The visually stunning The Brutalist, shot by Greig Fraser, won Best Cinematography, reinforcing the film’s artistic excellence.
Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”
Adding to its triumphs, The Brutalist also secured Best Original Score.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain”
Kieran Culkin, best known for his work in television, delivered an outstanding performance in A Real Pain, earning him his first Best Supporting Actor award.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for “Emilia Pérez”
Zoe Saldaña won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez, showcasing her versatility as an actress in this deeply moving drama.
Best Original Song: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez”
The powerful song El Mal from Emilia Pérez won Best Original Song, showcasing the impact of music in storytelling.
Notable Wins and Achievements
While the major categories received the most attention, the 97th Academy Awards also celebrated outstanding technical and artistic achievements. Here are some of the highlights:
Best Makeup and Hairstyling : The Substance
Best Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave”
Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay, standing out for its gripping storytelling and intelligent adaptation.
Best Production Design & Best Costume Design: “Wicked”
Paul Tazewell’s outstanding work on Wicked won him Best Costume Design, making him the first Black designer to win in this category.
Best Visual Effects: “Dune: Part Two”
Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
Diversity and Representation at the Oscars
This year’s Academy Awards highlighted increased diversity in storytelling, casting, and filmmaking. Paul Tazewell’s historic win in Costume Design and the recognition of international cinema emphasized Hollywood’s growing appreciation for global talent. Emilia Pérez, despite controversies, secured two major wins, further underlining this trend.
Biggest Surprises and Snubs
While many of the winners were expected, the 97th Oscars had its share of surprises:
- Biggest Surprise: Anora winning Best Picture over Dune: Part Two, which was a fan favorite.
- Biggest Snub: Oppenheimer, despite being a top contender, did not secure any major awards.
- Underdog Victory: Kieran Culkin’s win for A Real Pain surprised many, as he was competing against seasoned actors.
Oscars 2025 in Numbers
To summarize the distribution of awards:
| Film | Number of Oscars Won |
|---|---|
| Anora | 5 |
| The Brutalist | 3 |
| Dune: Part Two | 2 |
| Emilia Pérez | 2 |
| Wicked | 2 |
The Ceremony Highlights
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony maintained a light-hearted yet celebratory atmosphere. The show included a tribute to Los Angeles’ firefighters and their efforts in battling the city’s recent wildfires. The heartfelt speeches, unexpected wins, and stunning performances made it an unforgettable night.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards showcased an exciting mix of veteran and emerging talents, independent gems, and blockbuster hits. With Anora sweeping major categories and The Brutalist making a strong impact, the Oscars reaffirmed Hollywood’s evolving storytelling landscape. As we look ahead, these awards set the stage for another year of cinematic brilliance.
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