The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema, with several noteworthy films and performances taking center stage.
Major Winners:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker for Anora
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoë Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
Anora emerged as the evening’s standout, clinching five major awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character earned her the Best Actress accolade, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist garnered him the Best Actor award. However, his acceptance speech drew criticism, overshadowing his achievement.
Zoë Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez earned her the Best Supporting Actress award, making her the first actress of Dominican heritage to receive an Oscar.
Other Notable Winners:
- Best Original Score: Wicked
- Best Original Song: Wicked
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best International Feature: I’m Still Here
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, featured a four-part tribute to the James Bond franchise, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening.
