“Anora” Triumphs at the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, celebrated a year of cinematic excellence with notable achievements and memorable moments. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony was marked by both expected victories and surprising upsets.
“Anora” Dominates the Night
Leading the pack, Sean Baker’s “Anora” emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Madison’s portrayal in the film earned her the Best Actress award, a win that surprised many as she edged out favorite Demi Moore, who was nominated for her role in “The Substance.” In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude and honored the sex worker community, stating, “I will continue to be an ally.”
Adrien Brody’s Best Actor Win
Adrien Brody clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in “The Brutalist,” adding to the film’s accolades, which also included Best Original Score and Best Cinematography. Brody’s emotional and lengthy acceptance speech became a talking point of the evening, reflecting his deep appreciation for the recognition.
Historic Wins and Notable Achievements
The ceremony also witnessed historic moments, such as Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.” Zoe Saldaña earned her first Oscar, winning Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez,” and emotionally dedicated the award to her mother.
Additionally, “Flow” became the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, marking a significant achievement for the country’s film industry.
Memorable Moments and Performances
The evening featured several standout moments, including a nostalgic recreation of the 2003 Oscars kiss between Adrien Brody and Halle Berry, which stirred both nostalgia and controversy. Host Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue addressed recent controversies with humor, notably referencing Karla Sofía Gascón’s social media activity. Musical performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo captivated the audience, particularly their rendition of “Defying Gravity,” which received a standing ovation.
Technical Glitches and Audience Reactions
Despite the night’s successes, technical issues marred the experience for some viewers. Hulu’s livestream of the ceremony crashed 16 minutes before the end, causing frustration among audiences who missed the announcement of major awards.
Additionally, the ceremony included a tribute to the James Bond franchise, which left some viewers puzzled due to the absence of a recent Bond film.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards highlighted the diversity and talent within the film industry, celebrating both groundbreaking achievements and memorable moments. From “Anora’s” sweeping victories to historic individual accomplishments, the ceremony underscored the evolving landscape of cinema and its capacity to surprise and inspire.
Article 2: Highlights and Lowlights from the 2025 Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, offered a blend of remarkable achievements and unforeseen hiccups, making it a night to remember. Hosted by the ever-entertaining Conan O’Brien, the ceremony oscillated between heartfelt speeches, historic wins, and technical glitches.
“Anora” Steals the Spotlight
Sean Baker’s “Anora” dominated the evening, clinching five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Madison’s win was particularly surprising, as she edged out veteran actress Demi Moore, who was favored for her role in “The Substance.” In her acceptance speech, Madison expressed her commitment to being an ally to the sex worker community, reflecting the film’s themes.
Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return
Adrien Brody secured the Best Actor award for his role in “The Brutalist,” marking a significant comeback. His heartfelt and extensive acceptance speech resonated with many, though it tested the patience of some viewers.
“The Brutalist” also garnered accolades for Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, underscoring its artistic achievements.
Historic Milestones
The night was punctuated with historic firsts. Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for “Wicked,” a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship. Zoe Saldaña’s win as Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez” marked the first time an American of Dominican origin received an Oscar, a moment she dedicated to her mother.
Additionally, “Flow” became the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, highlighting the global reach of cinema.
Memorable Performances and Moments
The ceremony featured standout performances, notably Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s opening medley, which set an enchanting tone for the evening. Timothée Chalamet’s bold fashion choice—a bright yellow suit—became a viral sensation, drawing comparisons to various pop culture references. Host Conan O’Brien’s witty monologue addressed recent controversies, including a lighthearted jab at Karla Sofía Gascón’s social media activity, showcasing his comedic prowess.
Technical Glitches and Audience Reactions
Despite the night’s successes, technical issues arose. Hulu’s livestream experienced a crash 16 minutes before the ceremony’s conclusion, leaving many viewers