The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated another year of cinematic excellence. This year’s ceremony saw a remarkable blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces, resulting in a vibrant evening filled with memorable moments. Among the big winners of the night, Adrien Brody captured the Best Actor award for his stunning portrayal in “The Brutalist,” while the film “Anora” emerged as the major triumph of the evening, claiming victory in several prominent categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
This year’s Oscars highlighted a diverse array of films and performances that resonated deeply with both critics and audiences alike. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the stories that captivate viewers and the talents that bring these stories to life. The attention and accolades given during the Oscars serve as a remarkable spotlight on the outstanding contributions of filmmakers, actors, and the cinematic arts.
The following table provides an easy-to-read overview of the significant winners and their corresponding films at the event:
Award Category | Winner | Film Title |
---|---|---|
Best Picture | Anora | – |
Best Director | Sean Baker | Anora |
Best Actor | Adrien Brody | The Brutalist |
Best Actress | Mikey Madison | Anora |
Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Kieran Culkin | A Real Pain |
Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Zoe Saldaña | Emilia Pérez |
Best Cinematography | The Brutalist | – |
Best International Feature Film | I’m Still Here | – |
Best Adapted Screenplay | Conclave | – |
Best Original Screenplay | Anora | – |
Best Live Action Short Film | I’m Not a Robot | – |
Best Animated Short Film | In the Shadow of the Cypress | – |
Best Animated Feature Film | Flow | – |
Best Documentary Feature Film | No Other Land | – |
Best Original Song | El Mal | Emilia Pérez |
Best Original Score | The Brutalist | – |
Best Makeup and Hairstyling | The Substance | – |
Best Costume Design | Wicked | – |
Best Editing | Anora | – |
Best Sound | Dune: Part Two | – |
Best Production Design | Wicked | – |
Best Visual Effects | Dune: Part Two | – |
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, was the evening’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars in total, including Best Picture and Best Director. This film stood out not only for its compelling narrative but also for the powerful performances delivered by the cast, particularly Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for her role. The film explores deep themes and showcases exceptional storytelling, making it a memorable entry in the awards season.
In the male acting categories, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his riveting performance in “The Brutalist,” where he showcased his remarkable range and depth as an actor. Brody has long been a prominent figure in cinema, and this award further cements his legacy as one of the industry’s leading talents.
The supporting categories saw impressive performances recognized as well, with Kieran Culkin winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his impactful role in “A Real Pain,” and Zoe Saldaña taking home the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal in “Emilia Pérez.”
Here is the information formatted in a clear and structured table:
Winner | Movie |
---|---|
Adrien Brody | The Brutalist |
Nominees | Movie |
---|---|
Timothée Chalamet | A Complete Unknown |
Colman Domingo | Sing Sing |
Ralph Fiennes | Conclave |
Sebastian Stan | The Apprentice |
Winner | Movie |
---|---|
Kieran Culkin | A Real Pain |
Nominees | Movie |
---|---|
Yura Borisov | Anora |
Edward Norton | A Complete Unknown |
Guy Pearce | The Brutalist |
Jeremy Strong | The Apprentice |
Winner | Movie |
---|---|
Mikey Madison | Anora |
Nominees | Movie |
---|---|
Cynthia Erivo | Wicked |
Karla Sofía Gascón | Emilia Pérez |
Demi Moore | The Substance |
Fernanda Torres | I’m Still Here |
Winner | Movie |
---|---|
Zoe Saldaña | Emilia Pérez |
Nominees | Movie |
---|---|
Monica Barbaro | A Complete Unknown |
Ariana Grande | Wicked |
Felicity Jones | The Brutalist |
Isabella Rossellini | Conclave |
Winner | Producers |
---|---|
Flow | Gints Zilbalodis, Matīss Kaža, Ron Dyens, Gregory Zalcman |
Nominees | Producers |
---|---|
Inside Out 2 | Kelsey Mann, Mark Nielsen |
Memoir of a Snail | Adam Elliot, Liz Kearney |
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard Beek |
The Wild Robot | Chris Sanders, Jeff Hermann |
Winner | Producers |
---|---|
Anora | Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker |
Nominees | Producers |
---|---|
The Brutalist | Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, D.J. Gugenheim, Brady Corbet |
A Complete Unknown | Fred Berger, James Mangold, Alex Heineman |
Conclave | Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman |
Dune: Part Two | Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe, Denis Villeneuve |
Emilia Pérez | Pascal Caucheteux, Jacques Audiard |
I’m Still Here | Maria Carlota Bruno, Rodrigo Teixeira |
Nickel Boys | Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joslyn Barnes |
The Substance | Coralie Fargeat, Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner |
Wicked | Marc Platt |
The Oscar ceremony not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Awards recognizing Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design serve as a reminder of the countless hours and immense creativity that go into bringing a film to completion. They reflect the technical excellence that enhances the storytelling experience.
Films like “Dune: Part Two” also garnered recognition for their visuals and sound, showing that epic storytelling paired with technological innovation continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
The Oscars 2025 was a testament to the incredible talent and groundbreaking stories that define contemporary cinema. With “Anora” taking center stage and Adrien Brody recognized for his exceptional performance, the night was a celebration of the arts that continue to move and inspire us. As the film industry looks toward future projects, the achievements recognized at this year’s Academy Awards will undoubtedly influence both filmmakers and audiences for years to come.
As cinema continues to evolve, a diverse array of stories and voices will emerge, pushing artistic boundaries and creating new narratives that resonate with audiences globally. The prominence of the Oscars serves not just as an award ceremony, but as a cultural touchstone that reflects the changing landscape of the film industry.