The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
"Anora" Emerges as Top Winner:
Sean Baker's "Anora" was the night's biggest winner, taking home five awards:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Sean Baker)
- Best Actress (Mikey Madison)
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Film Editing
Other Notable Winners:
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody ("The Brutalist")
- Best Adapted Screenplay: "Conclave" (Peter Straughan)
- Best International Feature Film: "I'm Still Here" (Brazil)
- Best Cinematography: Lol Crawley ("The Brutalist")
- Best Original Song: "El Mal" from "Emilia Pérez"
- Best Production Design: "Wicked"
- Best Costume Design: "Wicked" (Paul Tazewell - first Black man to win this award)
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: "The Substance"
- Best Sound: "Dune: Part Two"
- Best Documentary Feature: "No Other Land"
- Best Live Action Short Film: "I'm Not a Robot"
Indian Film Misses Out:
The Indian documentary short film "Anuja," executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film but did not win.
Highlights of the Ceremony:
- Hosted by Conan O'Brien
- Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal presented the Best Picture award
- Emma Stone presented the Best Actress award
- Margaret Qualley performed a James Bond tribute dance number
- The Academy Awards honored the Los Angeles fire service
- Adrien Brody spoke out against antisemitism and racism in his acceptance speech
- Mikey Madison reaffirmed her support for the sex worker community
"Anora" Surprises with Major Wins:
"Anora," an indie film made for $6 million, was a surprise winner in several major categories. Its Best Picture win marked a continuation of the trend of smaller, independent films winning the top prize at the Oscars.
"Conclave" Also a Strong Contender:
"Conclave," a political thriller about the election of a new pope, was also a strong contender, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.
A Night of Upsets and Triumphs:
The 97th Academy Awards was a night of both upsets and triumphs, with "Anora" emerging as the unexpected champion. The ceremony celebrated the diversity and artistry of filmmaking, highlighting the power of cinema to tell important stories and connect with audiences worldwide.
