The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Triumphs and Surprises
Lights, camera, action! The 2025 Academy Awards have concluded, leaving behind a trail of dazzling gowns, witty banter courtesy of host Conan O’Brien, and of course, the coveted gold statuettes. Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony celebrated the best in cinema from the past year, delivering moments of both predictable victory and shocking upset. As predicted, the night was filled with suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very last award was announced. Let’s delve into the key winners and highlight some of the night’s most memorable moments.
And the Oscar Goes To…
The race was tight across many categories, with several films vying for top honors. "Emilia Pérez," the groundbreaking musical that captivated audiences and critics alike, entered the evening with a leading 13 nominations. However, despite its initial buzz and widespread acclaim, the film faced some late-stage controversy, potentially impacting its chances. Ultimately, while "Emilia Pérez" secured a few wins, it wasn’t the clean sweep many anticipated.
Similarly, "The Brutalist" and "Wicked," both boasting 10 nominations, had strong showings, snagging their fair share of golden statues. "A Complete Unknown," the Bob Dylan biopic, and "Conclave," each with eight nominations, also proved to be significant contenders, highlighting the diversity and quality of films released in 2024.
Best Picture: Anora
In a stunning upset, "Anora" took home the prestigious Best Picture award. Sean Baker’s poignant and visually striking film about a sex worker in New York City who marries the son of a Russian oligarch resonated deeply with Academy voters. This win was a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the ability of smaller, character-driven stories to captivate audiences on a grand scale. The film’s win over heavy hitters like "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez" marked one of the night’s biggest surprises.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Adrien Brody’s captivating performance in "The Brutalist" earned him the coveted Best Actor award. Brody delivered a career-defining performance as an architect struggling to maintain his artistic vision in a rapidly changing world. The award solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors. He delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking his fellow nominees and paying tribute to the art of filmmaking.
Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Karla Sofía Gascón made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her powerful and nuanced portrayal of the titular character in "Emilia Pérez," a wanted drug cartel boss who undergoes gender affirmation surgery, earned her critical acclaim and widespread recognition. Her win was a significant moment for representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.
Best Supporting Actor: Yura Borisov, Anora
Yura Borisov’s portrayal of the troubled Russian oligarch’s son in “Anora” impressed the Academy voters. While he has long been a celebrated talent in Europe, this film provided a spotlight for him in the United States.
Best Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande, Wicked
Ariana Grande’s electrifying performance as Glinda in "Wicked" captivated audiences and secured her the Best Supporting Actress award. Her transition from pop star to acclaimed actress was fully cemented with this win. Her speech was gracious and emotional, expressing gratitude to the entire "Wicked" cast and crew.
Best Director: Sean Baker, Anora
Adding to "Anora’s" success, Sean Baker won Best Director, solidifying his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. His commitment to authentic storytelling and his ability to elicit compelling performances from his actors were key factors in his win.
Best Original Screenplay: A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg)
Jesse Eisenberg’s screenplay for "A Real Pain," a poignant and darkly comedic story about two cousins grappling with their family history, earned him the Best Original Screenplay award. Eisenberg’s sharp wit and insightful writing shone through in this deeply personal film.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Emilia Pérez (Jacques Audiard)
Jacques Audiard’s adaptation of "Emilia Pérez" for the screen took home the statue.
Best International Feature Film: Emilia Pérez (France)
France’s entry, "Emilia Pérez" snagged the Best International Feature film.
Technical Achievements and Musical Triumphs
The Academy also recognized excellence in technical categories. "Dune: Part Two" continued its legacy of visual and auditory spectacle, winning awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound. "Nosferatu" won Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling recognizing its devotion to the gothic horror vision.
"Emilia Pérez" added to its win list, earning Best Original Song for "Mi Camino" by Camille and Clément Ducol. The song’s blend of French and Spanish lyrics and its emotional resonance struck a chord with Academy voters. Daniel Blumberg won Best Original Score for "The Brutalist."
Animated Excellence and Documentary Storytelling
In the realm of animation, "The Wild Robot" emerged victorious, claiming the Best Animated Feature award. Its heartwarming story and stunning visuals charmed audiences of all ages. Flow won best animated short.
The Best Documentary Feature award went to "Black Box Diaries," a powerful and unflinching look at corruption and injustice.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Academy Awards was a night filled with surprises, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. The winners represented a diverse range of stories and voices, showcasing the power of cinema to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. From the shocking Best Picture win for "Anora" to Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic victory, the ceremony will be remembered as a celebration of artistic excellence and the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.
