The 97th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, took place on March 2, 2025, at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by renowned comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, the event celebrated the best films, performances, and technical achievements in the film industry over the past year.
With a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets, the night was a testament to the evolving landscape of modern cinema.
Major Winners/ Highlights
The biggest winner of the night was Anora, which took home the coveted Best Picture award. The film, directed by Sean Baker, also won Best Director, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece.
Other major awards included Best Actor, which went to Adrien Brody for his gripping performance in The Brutalist. The film, a historical drama, was lauded for its storytelling and cinematography. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress for her portrayal in Wicked, a film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery.
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for her stunning performance in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña, in her acceptance speech, spoke passionately about the importance of representation in cinema and the impact of diverse storytelling.
Technical Achievements and Noteworthy Wins. Apart from acting and directing, several other categories highlighted exceptional talent:
- Best Original Screenplay went to Sean Baker for Anora, reinforcing the film’s strong narrative.
- Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Peter Straughan for Conclave, a gripping political drama.
- Best Cinematography was won by Lol Crawley for The Brutalist, recognized for its stunning visual storytelling.
- Best Original Score went to Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist, whose music added emotional depth to the film.
- Best Animated Feature Film was awarded to Flow, an animated masterpiece that captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling.
- Best International Feature Film went to I’m Still Here, a powerful film that resonated with global audiences.
Memorable Moments from the Ceremony
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was Zoe Saldaña’s tearful acceptance speech. She thanked her family, co-stars, and the filmmakers for giving her the opportunity to bring such a powerful character to life. Her speech was met with a standing ovation from the audience.
Another highlight was the In Memoriam segment, which paid tribute to legendary actors and filmmakers who passed away over the past year, including the late Gene Hackman. The segment was accompanied by a moving live performance, creating a poignant moment of remembrance.
Additionally, legendary music producer Quincy Jones received an Honorary Oscar for his outstanding contributions to music and film. His acceptance speech reflected on his decades-long career and the impact of music in cinema.
Where to Watch the Oscars 2025
For those who missed the live broadcast, the Oscars 2025 ceremony is available for on-demand viewing on streaming platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar. The awards were also aired live on ABC in the United States and other major networks worldwide.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards proved to be an unforgettable night, celebrating the best of filmmaking. With films like Anora and The Brutalist making a strong impact, and performances from actors like Adrien Brody and Cynthia Erivo leaving a lasting impression, the Oscars 2025 showcased the diversity and brilliance of modern cinema. As Hollywood continues to evolve, these winners and nominees will undoubtedly shape the future of the film industry for years to come.
Leave a Reply