The 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, celebrated exceptional performances and remarkable films, culminating in a night filled with surprises and historic moments. With the awards ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was a showcase of both artistic brilliance and musical performances, leaving the audience captivated. This essay highlights the major winners and memorable instances that marked the Oscars 2025, focusing on the standout film “Anora,” the triumphant achievement of Zoe Saldaña, and other notable surprises that resonated throughout the evening.
“Anora” Dominates the Night
Best Picture
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison – Anora – WINNER
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
Best Actor
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist – WINNER
Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Best Supporting Actress
Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez – WINNER
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison (Jason P. Frank, 2025). The film, which tells the chaotic tale of an exotic dancer entwined with a wealthy Russian national, was lauded for its unique storytelling and impactful performances. Madison’s win for Best Actress marked a breakout moment for the performer, adding a significant accolade to her burgeoning career.
Best Supporting Actor
Yura Borisov – Anora
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain – WINNER
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
Best Director
Sean Baker – Anora – WINNER
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
Best Original Screenplay
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance
Best Adapted Screenplay
A Complete Unknown
Conclave – WINNER
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
The presence of “Anora” as the top film of the night was reflected not only in its awards but also in the positive response from audiences and critics alike. Assessment of the film’s thematic depth and performances demonstrates why it resonated with Oscar voters, solidifying its position as a significant cinematic contribution of the year. Additionally, Baker’s recognition for Best Director underscores his ability to navigate complex narratives and engage audiences with poignant imagery.
Best Cinematography
The Brutalist – WINNER
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu
Best Original Score
The Brutalist – WINNER
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Original Song
“El Mal” – Emilia Pérez – WINNER
“The Journey” – The Six Triple Eight
“Like a Bird” – Sing Sing
“Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez
“Never Too Late” – Elton John: Never Too Late
In a moment that captured audiences and social media alike, Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” becoming the first Dominican-American to achieve this honor (Dhanika Pineda, 2025). Her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer assisting a trans cartel boss in a transformative journey, garnered admiration for its emotional depth and authenticity. Saldaña’s win was met with a heartfelt acceptance speech, where she dedicated her award to her grandmother, encapsulating the importance of representation and cultural identity in Hollywood (Dhanika Pineda, 2025).
Best Editing
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
Best Production Design
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked – WINNER
Best Costume Design
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Nosferatu
Wicked – WINNER
Saldaña’s triumph not only highlights her accomplishment but also signifies a broader shift towards inclusivity within the film industry. The recognition of her performance amidst the controversies surrounding the film’s campaign speaks volumes about the power of storytelling and character portrayal in breaking barriers and creating dialogues about marginalized communities. Her celebrated win is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of cinema in reflecting societal changes.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
The Substance – WINNER
Wicked
Best Sound
A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Visual Effects
Alien: Romulus
Better Man
Dune: Part Two – WINNER
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked
Best International Feature
I’m Still Here (Brazil) – WINNER
The Girl with the Needle (Denmark)
Emilia Pérez (France)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
Flow (Latvia)
Best Animated Feature
Flow – WINNER
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot
Surprising Moments and Other Notable Winners
The 2025 Oscars were rife with unexpected outcomes, including the award for Best Animated Feature going to “Flow,” a film that marks Latvia’s first-ever Oscar win (Greg MacArthur, 2025). This recognition not only celebrated the artistic achievement of the film’s creators but also brought attention to the increasing diversity of animated storytelling. Furthermore, the evening recognized performances by leading actors such as Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for “The Brutalist,” affirming his sustained prominence in the industry.
Best Animated Short
Beautiful Men
In the Shadow of the Cypress – WINNER
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!
Best Live-Action Short
A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not a Robot – WINNER
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Best Documentary Feature
Black Box Diaries
No Other Land – WINNER
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
Sugarcane
Best Documentary Short
Death by Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra – WINNER
“Flow’s” victory serves as an invigorating sign for filmmakers from smaller countries, proving that innovative narratives can resonantly affect both audiences and award bodies alike. Additionally, memorable performances during the ceremony, including musical numbers by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, added a celebratory atmosphere, captivating all attendees and further enhancing the significance of the event.