The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Historic Wins and Cinematic Excellence
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, a pinnacle event in the film industry, unfolded on March 2, 2025, at the illustrious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by the charismatic Conan O'Brien, the evening celebrated the cinematic achievements of 2024, bringing together the industry's finest talents for a night of recognition and festivity.
Dominant Films and Notable Victories
Leading the nominations was "Emilia Pérez," a groundbreaking non-English language film that garnered an impressive 13 nods. Despite its numerous nominations, the film secured two awards, with Zoe Saldaña earning Best Supporting Actress for her compelling portrayal of a defense attorney.
The evening's most celebrated film, however, was "Anora," which triumphed with five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Director Sean Baker made history by winning four awards for a single film—Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Picture—a feat previously achieved only by Walt Disney in 1954. Mikey Madison's portrayal of the titular character in "Anora" earned her the Best Actress award, marking a significant milestone in her career.
"The Brutalist" also made a notable impact, securing three Oscars. Adrien Brody's performance earned him the Best Actor award, while the film also won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
Major Award Winners
Best Picture: "Anora"
Best Director: Sean Baker for "Anora"
Best Actress: Mikey Madison for "Anora"
Best Actor: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist"
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez"
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain"
Technical and Artistic Recognitions
The ceremony also honored achievements in various technical and artistic categories:
Best Original Screenplay: "Anora"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Conclave"
Best Cinematography: "The Brutalist"
Best Original Score: "The Brutalist"
Best Editing: "Anora"
Best Production Design: "Wicked"
Best Costume Design: "Wicked"
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: "The Substance"
Best Sound: "Dune: Part Two"
Best Visual Effects: "Dune: Part Two"
Animated and International Films
In the realm of animated features, "Flow" emerged victorious, while "I'm Still Here" was honored as Best International Feature.
Documentary Categories
The documentary categories highlighted profound storytelling:
Best Documentary Feature: "No Other Land"
Best Documentary Short: "The Only Girl in the Orchestra"
Short Films
The Academy also recognized excellence in short filmmaking:
Best Animated Short: "In the Shadow of the Cypress"
Best Live-Action Short: "I'm Not a Robot"
Special Recognitions
The ceremony paid tribute to industry veterans Quincy Jones and Juliet Taylor with honorary awards, acknowledging their enduring contributions to cinema.
The 97th Academy Awards not only celebrated the artistic and technical achievements of the past year but also reflected the evolving landscape of cinema, honoring a diverse array of stories and talents that continue to shape the industry's future.
