The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, recognizing the finest achievements in film from the past year. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the night was filled with standout moments, emotional speeches, and historic wins.
Biggest Winners of the Night
The drama Anora, directed by Sean Baker, dominated the evening, securing five prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Its success cemented Baker’s reputation as one of the most compelling storytellers in contemporary cinema.
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, marking a triumphant return to the Oscars stage 22 years after his first win. Meanwhile, Mikey Madison’s captivating performance in Anora earned her the award for Best Actress, solidifying the film’s sweeping success.
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin took home the Oscar for A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, a film that had led the nominations with an impressive 13 nods.
Complete List of Major Winners
• Best Picture: Anora
• Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
• Best Animated Feature: Flow
• Best International Feature: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
A Night of Special Tributes
The ceremony also paid tribute to one of the most iconic film franchises in history, celebrating the legacy of James Bond. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for their remarkable contributions to the film industry, ensuring the spy saga’s continued success across generations.
A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
This year’s Oscars showcased a wide range of talent, storytelling, and artistic vision. From Anora’s sweeping victories to groundbreaking performances across genres, the 2025 Academy Awards reflected the ever-evolving and diverse landscape of global cinema.
With new voices rising and industry veterans reclaiming the spotlight, Hollywood once again proved why the Oscars remain the most prestigious celebration of film.
