Anora dominates the night, Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody take home top acting honors at the 97th Academy Awards.
March 4, 2025: The 97th Academy Awards brought another unforgettable night of cinematic excellence, honoring the best films, performances, and creative achievements of the year. From Anora sweeping multiple categories to historic wins in acting, the evening was filled with excitement and surprises.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Anora Reigns Supreme
The biggest winner of the night was Anora, directed by Sean Baker, which claimed five major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film’s raw storytelling and standout performances made it a clear favorite among critics and audiences alike.
Full List of 2025 Oscar Winners
Best Picture – Anora
Best Director – Sean Baker, Anora
Best Actress – Mikey Madison, Anora
Best Actor – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Best Original Screenplay – Sean Baker, Anora
Best Adapted Screenplay – Peter Straughan, Conclave
Best International Feature Film – I’m Still Here (Brazil)
Best Animated Feature Film – Flow
Best Cinematography – Lol Crawley, The Brutalist
Best Production Design – Wicked
Best Costume Design – Paul Tazewell, Wicked
Best Film Editing – Sean Baker, Anora
Best Visual Effects – Dune: Part Two
Best Sound – Dune: Part Two
Best Original Score – The Brutalist
Best Original Song – “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez
Best Documentary Feature – No Other Land
Best Documentary Short – The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Best Live Action Short – In the Shadow of the Cypress
Best Animated Short – I’m Not a Robot
Jordan Strauss /Invision /AP
A Night of Milestones and Emotional Wins
Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora earned her the Best Actress trophy, solidifying her as one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody’s powerful role in The Brutalist earned him his second Academy Award, making for a career-defining moment.
Zoe Saldaña also made history, becoming the first Dominican-American actress to win an Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez. The emotional moment was met with a standing ovation, as she thanked her supporters and acknowledged the cultural significance of the win.
Looking Ahead
With another Oscars ceremony in the books, these winners have cemented their place in film history. As Hollywood looks toward the future, the 2025 Academy Awards have proven once again that great storytelling and exceptional performances will always take center stage.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: Jordan Strauss /Invision /AP