Oscars, The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a balance of anticipated victories, surprise losses, and blatant snubs. Conan O’Brien presided over the ceremony, which celebrated the best films of all time, but not all were left with a satisfied heart.
The Best Image
Directed by Sean Baker, ‘Anora’ triumphed over Oppenheimer and The Holdovers to claim the Best Picture award. The film’s profound emotional depth and personal storytelling resonated deeply with both critics and viewers, creating a powerful connection.
“Anora” was the winner and took home the Best Picture award. Sean Baker’s movie stunned critics and audiences alike with its engaging plot and brilliant performances.
Best Director
The Best Director award went to Sean Baker for “Anora.” He received the Academy’s top prize for his unique storytelling and directing sense.
Best Actor
Best Actor was awarded to Adrien Brody for his excellent performance in “The Brutalist.” His Hollywood fame was sealed with his spellbinding performance, which fascinated both critics and viewers.
Best Actress
The unexpected victory of Mikey Madison for Best Actress in ‘Anora’ was a surprise to many. Her performance not only set the tone for her career but also surpassed the expectations of experienced professionals in the industry, adding an element of unpredictability to the Oscars.
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actor went to Robert Downey Jr. for the performance in “Oppenheimer.” Audiences welcomed back his return to serious drama, and he was awarded an Oscar.
Best Supporting Actress
Finally, Zoe Saldaña won her first Academy Award for her wonderful work in “Emilia Pérez.” Her emotional acceptance speech became one of the highlights of the evening.
Even with high hopes, who lost?
Demi Moore Loses Best Actress Award
Demi Moore lost to Mikey Madison for Best Actress, although she won the SAG and Golden Globes. Many had believed she was the favourite. Hence, her fans were let down.
“Emilia Pérez” Comes Home Empty-Handed
“Emilia Pérez” swept the category with 13 nominations but did not receive any honors. Short of the win, the film shared the most nominations on record.
The 16th Oscar loss for Diane Warren
The 16th Oscar nomination for long-time songwriter Diane Warren’s “The Journey” was denied by “Six Triple Eight.” She has a storied career, yet she has never taken home an Academy Award.
The Night’s Greatest Snubs
“Inside Out 2” Loses Best Animated Feature Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” was the odds-on favourite to win Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, but it lost to Latvia’s “Flow.” The majority were surprised by the surprise win. Bradley Cooper Snubbed for “Maestro” Bradley Cooper’s acting in “Maestro” generated Oscar buzz, but the Academy snubbed him from the Best Actor category. “Barbie” Gets Minimal Honors Even though “Barbie” had a positive cultural influence, it earned only some technical honours. Most critics and fans felt that Barbie should have won more major categories.
Historic Wins and Iconic Moments
Tazewell Paul
The first African American man to take home Best Costume Design was Paul Tazewell, who did so for “Wicked.” His victory marked a milestone for diversity in Hollywood.
Adrien Brody’s Emotional Speech
When Adrien Brody requested the orchestra to cease playing during his acceptance speech, they remained quiet. The crowd reacted positively to his heartfelt words.
Honoring Film Legends
The Academy awarded Quincy Jones a lifetime achievement award. Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey hosted a moving tribute to his contributions to music and film.
The 2025 Oscars proved to be a night of heartbreaks, wins, and surprise decisions. Hollywood’s night of nights remains as unpredictable as ever, as the Academy again proves that no outcome is ever guaranteed.
