The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night filled with surprises, emotional speeches, and groundbreaking achievements. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best in cinema, recognizing outstanding performances and filmmaking excellence.
A Triumph for Anora
The biggest winner of the night was Anora, directed by Sean Baker, which took home the coveted Best Picture award. Baker also secured the Best Director honor, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s most innovative storytellers. The film also won Best Original Screenplay, making it a standout success of the evening.
Historic Wins in Acting Categories
This year’s Oscars saw history being made in the acting categories. Karla Sofía Gascón, who won Best Actress for Emilia Pérez, became the first openly transgender performer to win in a leading category. Her powerful performance resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody delivered a career-defining performance in The Brutalist, earning him his second Academy Award. Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, marking his first Oscar win after years of acclaimed performances.
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldaña for her role in Emilia Pérez, further highlighting the film’s critical success.
A Celebration of International Cinema
The Best International Feature Film award went to Emilia Pérez, reinforcing its global appeal. The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay, making it one of the night’s most decorated films.
Meanwhile, the Best Animated Feature Film award was given to Flow, a visually stunning and emotionally rich film that captivated audiences worldwide.
Technical Excellence Recognized
Cinematography and production design played a crucial role in bringing stories to life on the big screen. The Brutalist secured wins for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design, showcasing its remarkable visual storytelling.
In the sound category, A Complete Unknown won Best Sound, demonstrating the importance of immersive audio in cinematic storytelling.
A Night to Remember
The 97th Academy Awards proved to be a night of firsts, breaking barriers and recognizing diverse talent from across the world. With powerful speeches, emotional victories, and cinematic brilliance on full display, this year’s Oscars reaffirmed the power of storytelling in shaping culture and history.
For the complete list of winners, visit the official Oscars website.
