The 97th Academy Awards brought a night of glitz, glamour, and well-deserved wins. From Sean Baker’s poignant “Anora” sweeping multiple categories to Adrien Brody’s powerful performance in “The Brutalist,” this year’s Oscars celebrated the best in cinema. Discover who took home the gold in every category, including Best Picture, Acting Awards, and more. Dive into our detailed recap to relive the night’s unforgettable moments and surprises! 🎬🏆
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, honoured the finest achievements in cinema. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the winners across all major categories, with in-depth details:
Best Picture
- “Anora” Directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” is a masterful blend of storytelling and emotional depth, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and resilience. Its nuanced portrayal of human emotions and powerful narrative earned it the Best Picture award.
Best Director
- Sean Baker for “Anora” Baker’s direction in “Anora” was a masterclass in visual storytelling. His ability to draw out raw performances from his cast and his meticulous attention to detail made “Anora” a standout.
Best Actor
- Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”, Brody’s portrayal of a troubled architect struggling with his past was both intense and vulnerable. His ability to subtly convey complex emotions resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Best Actress
- Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked” Erivo’s performance was a tour de force. She blended powerful vocals with a deeply emotional portrayal of a beloved character, and her transformation into the role was seamless and captivating.
Best Supporting Actor
- Kieran Culkin in “A Real Pain” Culkin brought a raw intensity to his role, balancing humor and heartbreak with equal finesse. His performance was a standout, adding layers of complexity to the film.
Best Supporting Actress
- Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown” Barbaro’s portrayal of a conflicted young woman was nuanced and powerful. Her authenticity in expressing a spectrum of emotions was a key highlight of the film.
Animated Feature Film
- “Flow” “Flow” impressed audiences with its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling, exploring themes of identity and belonging. The film’s visual beauty, combined with a moving score, made it a deserving winner.
Animated Short Film
- “In the Shadow of the Cypress,” This short film captivated audiences with its poignant narrative and breathtaking animation, addressing themes of memory and loss with elegance and subtlety.
Cinematography
- “The Brutalist” Cinematographer Lol Crawley’s masterful use of lighting and composition enhanced the film’s atmosphere, capturing both the grandeur and the isolation of its settings.
Costume Design
- “Wicked” Paul Tazewell’s elaborate and era-defining costumes brought the world of “Wicked” to life, enhancing the film’s magical and dramatic elements.
Documentary Feature Film
- “Black Box Diaries” is a gripping exploration of contemporary issues. This documentary combines powerful interviews with striking visuals to convey its message.
Documentary Short Film
- “Death by Numbers” This short documentary presented a harrowing look at systemic issues through a mix of investigative journalism and emotional storytelling.
Film Editing
- “Anora” Seamless transitions and rhythmic pacing allowed “Anora” to maintain its emotional impact without feeling rushed.
International Feature Film
- “I’m Still Here” (Brazil) is a poignant exploration of loss and identity. This Brazilian film stands out for its heartfelt storytelling and striking visuals. I’m Still Here” is an influential Brazilian drama that masterfully explores loss, identity, and resilience themes. Directed by renowned filmmaker Sofia Carvalho, the film follows the emotional journey of a woman grappling with her past and seeking a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world. Through breathtaking cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score, the film captures the complexities of human emotions with authenticity and grace. The layered storytelling, combined with standout performances, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll, making it deserving of the Best International Feature award.
Makeup and Hairstyling
- “The Substance” The makeup and hairstyling team skillfully transformed actors to suit the film’s dark and surreal aesthetic, enhancing the storytelling.
Music (Original Score)
- “The Brutalist” Daniel Blumberg’s haunting and evocative score added layers of emotion to the film, making each scene more impactful.
Music (Original Song)
- “The Journey” from “The Six Triple Eight” Diane Warren’s soulful lyrics and melodic composition made “The Journey” a standout, resonating with both audiences and critics.
Production Design
- “The Brutalist” Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia’s meticulous production design brought authenticity to the film’s period settings.
Live Action Short Film
- “A Lien” stood out as a thought-provoking exploration of identity, thanks to its powerful narrative and compelling performances.
Sound
- “Dune: Part Two” The film’s immersive sound design enhanced the epic scale of its universe, making it a deserving winner.
Visual Effects
- “Dune: Part Two” Groundbreaking visual effects created a seamless and believable portrayal of the film’s vast sci-fi landscapes.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
- “Conclave” by Peter Straughan Straughan’s adaptation skillfully captured the novel’s political intrigue and ethical dilemmas.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
- “Anora” by Sean Baker The screenplay’s intricate plot and robust dialogue made it a standout, earning Baker this accolade.
These Oscar awards highlight the diverse and outstanding talents that have contributed to cinema over the past year.
The 97th Academy Awards was a remarkable celebration of cinematic excellence, highlighting various talents and stories. Sean Baker’s “Anora” dominated the evening, capturing Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, while Adrien Brody’s powerful portrayal in “The Brutalist” earned him the Best Actor accolade. The night also honoured international cinema with Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” and showcased exceptional craftsmanship in categories like Visual Effects and Sound, led by “Dune: Part Two”. The Oscars 2025 not only celebrated the artistry of filmmaking but also set a new benchmark for storytelling, innovation, and representation in the industry. As Hollywood continues to evolve, these wins serve as a reminder of the transformative power of movies and the voices behind them. 🎬🏆
