The 2025 Academy Awards crowned “Anora” as the night’s biggest winner, as Sean Baker’s indie dramedy about a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch took home five Oscars. This includes several of the most sought after awards like Best Picture, Best Director, and a surprise Best Actress win for Mikey Madison. This marks a significant triumph for independent cinema at Hollywood’s most prestigious event.
“Anora” dominated the ceremony held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Baker winning multiple awards as the film’s producer, writer, director, and editor. Other major winners included Adrien Brody for Best Actor in “The Brutalist,” while Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin took home supporting actor trophies for their performances in “Emilia Pérez” and “A Real Pain” respectively.
The technical categories saw “Dune: Part Two” excel, while “Wicked” was recognized for its costume and production design. The animated feature category produced a surprise winner with “Flow,” representing a historic moment for Latvian cinema. The night featured memorable hosting by Conan O’Brien and performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that added to the celebration of film achievement.
Oscars 2025: Major Winners
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated a year of cinematic excellence with notable wins and memorable moments. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honored achievements across various categories, with the independent film Anora emerging as the night’s biggest winner.
Major Award Winners:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Highlights and Notable Moments:
Anora Dominates
The independent film Anora secured five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. This sweeping victory marked a significant achievement for independent cinema and solidified Sean Baker’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Adrien Brody’s Best Actor Win
Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist. The film also received accolades for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, making it a standout in the technical categories.
Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Win
Zoe Saldaña made history as the first actress of Dominican heritage to win an Oscar, earning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her emotional acceptance speech highlighted the importance of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
Kieran Culkin’s Recognition
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his heartfelt and comedic performance. His win continued his family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
Wicked and Dune: Part Two Shine
Wicked secured wins in Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, with Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to win in the costume category. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two added to the sci-fi franchise’s success with awards for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
International and Animated Feature Winners
I’m Still Here (Brazil) won Best International Feature, showcasing powerful storytelling from Latin America. Flow (Latvia) took home Best Animated Feature, marking a win for unique and artistic animation.
Ceremony Highlights:
Musical Performances
The ceremony featured spectacular performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, bringing energy and emotion to the night’s entertainment lineup.
Tributes and Honors
Special tributes were made to Los Angeles following the devastating wildfires, highlighting the resilience of the city and the film industry. Additionally, legendary figures such as Gene Hackman, David Lynch, and Maggie Smith were honored for their contributions to cinema.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Oscars celebrated a year of diverse storytelling, with Anora leading the accolades and delivering some of the most talked-about wins of the night. From historic milestones to surprise victories, the ceremony showcased both Hollywood veterans and emerging talents, making it a memorable event in the history of the Academy Awards.
Key Takeaways
- “Anora” swept the 2025 Oscars with five awards including Best Picture, Director, and a surprise Best Actress win for Mikey Madison.
- Independent cinema triumphed as Sean Baker’s screwball dramedy about a sex worker and an oligarch’s son captivated the Academy.
- The ceremony featured historic wins, technical achievements, and powerful moments including the “No Other Land” documentary directors’ call for ceasefire.
Major Wins at the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards showcased a remarkable night for independent film “Anora,” which dominated with multiple major wins. Other significant victories included breakthrough performances across acting categories and notable achievements in directing and writing.
Best Picture – ‘Anora’
“Anora” took home the most coveted award of the night, Best Picture, marking a triumph for independent cinema. The film’s victory wasn’t just symbolic—it represented a clear shift in Academy voting patterns toward recognizing smaller, character-driven stories over big-budget productions.
This win was particularly notable as “Anora” faced stiff competition from several studio powerhouses. Director Sean Baker’s intimate storytelling approach resonated strongly with voters, who praised the film’s authentic portrayal of its complex characters.
The acceptance speech, delivered by Baker and his production team, highlighted the importance of supporting independent filmmaking and diverse voices in Hollywood. This Best Picture win cemented “Anora” as the defining film of the 2025 awards season.
Best Director – Sean Baker for ‘Anora’
Sean Baker’s directorial vision for “Anora” earned him his first Academy Award. Baker’s win represents the culmination of years crafting critically acclaimed independent films that focus on marginalized characters and overlooked stories.
His acceptance speech acknowledged the collaborative nature of filmmaking while emphasizing the need for more diverse perspectives behind the camera. Critics widely praised Baker’s nuanced direction, particularly his ability to blend naturalistic performances with visually striking cinematography.
This win follows Baker’s previous nominations for earlier works. His victory highlights how filmmakers working outside the studio system can achieve the highest recognition in the industry when given the opportunity to tell authentic stories.
Best Actress – Mikey Madison for ‘Anora’
Mikey Madison staged what many considered an upset victory in the Best Actress category for her powerful portrayal in “Anora.” Her performance as the complex title character showcased remarkable emotional range and authenticity.
Madison’s acceptance speech was among the night’s most memorable moments. She thanked director Sean Baker for his guidance and spoke movingly about the challenges of bringing such a multifaceted character to life.
This marks Madison’s first Oscar win and represents a career-defining moment for the young actress. Critics highlighted her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously throughout the film. Her victory underscores the Academy’s recognition of breakthrough performances from emerging talent.
Best Original Screenplay – ‘Anora’
Sean Baker added another Oscar to “Anora’s” impressive haul by winning Best Original Screenplay. His script was praised for its authentic dialogue, complex character development, and unflinching portrayal of its protagonist’s journey.
The screenplay’s strength lay in its ability to create fully realized characters whose motivations felt genuine rather than contrived. Baker’s writing avoided common tropes while still delivering emotional impact through carefully crafted scenes and relationships.
This win represents the Academy’s recognition of thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. Baker’s acceptance speech on March 2nd emphasized the importance of listening to and amplifying voices that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema.
Best Actor – Adrien Brody for ‘The Brutalist’
Adrien Brody claimed the Best Actor statue for his transformative performance in “The Brutalist.” This marks Brody’s second Oscar win, following his 2003 victory for “The Pianist.”
Brody’s portrayal of a post-WWII architect navigating personal and professional challenges was widely praised for its emotional depth and physical commitment. His performance required mastering technical architectural knowledge while conveying deep psychological trauma.
The role represented one of the most demanding of Brody’s career, requiring significant physical transformation and emotional range. During his acceptance speech, Brody acknowledged the film’s controversial use of AI technology while emphasizing the irreplaceable human element of acting.
Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña for ‘Emilia Pérez’
Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress recognized her powerful work in “Emilia Pérez.” This victory marks Saldaña’s first Oscar after a career spanning numerous blockbuster franchises.
Her portrayal of a complex character in this critically acclaimed film showcased her dramatic range beyond action-oriented roles. Critics particularly praised her ability to convey emotional depth through subtle expressions and gestures.
Saldaña’s acceptance speech highlighted the importance of authentic storytelling and representation in cinema. This win represents significant recognition for an actress who has often been overlooked for awards despite consistently strong performances across various genres.
Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin for ‘A Real Pain’
Kieran Culkin’s supporting actor win for “A Real Pain” comes after his acclaimed work in television series “Succession.” His nuanced portrayal in this film demonstrated his versatility as an actor capable of balancing comedy with profound emotional moments.
Culkin’s performance was noted for its authenticity and vulnerability. His character’s journey through grief and family reconciliation resonated strongly with both audiences and Academy voters.
During his acceptance speech, Culkin acknowledged his co-stars and director with trademark wit while expressing genuine surprise at his win. This Oscar victory represents a significant milestone in Culkin’s career evolution from child actor to respected dramatic performer.
Technical and Artistic Achievements
The 2025 Oscars celebrated extraordinary craftsmanship across multiple films. Several productions stood out for their exceptional visual effects, costume design, and animation breakthroughs.
Technical Mastery – ‘Dune: Part Two’
Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic dominated the technical categories at the Oscars, securing wins for Best Visual Effects, Sound, and Cinematography. The film’s breathtaking sandworm sequences and massive battle scenes showcased groundbreaking VFX technology.
Cinematographer Greig Fraser received his second Oscar for the film’s striking desert landscapes and intricate lighting. In his acceptance speech, Fraser credited Villeneuve’s vision and the hundreds of artists who brought Arrakis to life.
Sound designers Theo Green and Mark Mangini created an immersive audio experience that transported viewers directly into the harsh Dune environment. Their innovative use of sand movement sounds and ornithopter mechanics demonstrated remarkable attention to detail.
Best Costume and Production Design – ‘Wicked’
Jon Chu’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical captivated the Academy with its vibrant visual aesthetic. Costume designer Paul Tazewell won for his reimagining of the iconic green witch outfit and elaborate Emerald City attire.
Tazewell’s designs blended traditional theatrical elements with modern textures and techniques. His costumes for Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba featured over 20,000 hand-sewn emerald sequins.
Production designer Nathan Crowley transformed familiar Oz locations into breathtaking new environments. His interpretation of the Yellow Brick Road and Shiz University demonstrated both respect for the original material and fresh creative vision.
Best Animated Feature – ‘Flow’
The Latvian animated film “Flow” created a stunning upset by defeating studio giants Disney and Pixar. Director Gints Zilbalodis crafted the entire 78-minute feature single-handedly over three years.
The film’s unique watercolor aesthetic and environmental storytelling resonated with Academy voters. “Flow” follows a young girl’s journey down a mysterious river, with no dialogue but rich visual symbolism.
This win represents the first-ever Oscar for Latvian cinema and highlights growing recognition for independent animation. Zilbalodis thanked his parents and small production team during his emotional acceptance speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 Oscars celebration saw multiple remarkable moments and achievements across various categories. Several films broke new ground, with independent cinema receiving significant recognition.
What film won the Best Picture award at the 2025 Oscars?
“Anora” took home the Best Picture award at the 2025 Oscars. The independent film dominated the ceremony with multiple wins in major categories.
It competed against notable contenders including “The Brutalist,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “Emilia Pérez.”
Which director received the Best Director accolade for the movie ‘Anora’?
Sean Baker won the Best Director award for his work on “Anora.” This achievement added to the film’s impressive collection of awards during the ceremony.
Baker’s direction helped the independent film stand out among productions with much larger budgets.
Who secured the Best Actress honor at the 2025 Academy Awards?
Mikey Madison won the Best Actress award for her performance in “Anora.” Her portrayal in the film was widely praised by critics.
Madison’s win contributed to “Anora’s” dominance at the ceremony, where it also collected awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Which movie’s success marked a significant victory for independent cinema at the Oscars?
“Anora” represented a major triumph for independent cinema at the 2025 Oscars. The film’s multiple wins across major categories demonstrated that smaller-budget productions could achieve the highest recognition.
This success highlighted the Academy’s appreciation for storytelling regardless of production scale.
What were the most notable achievements in technical categories and design at this year’s Oscars?
“Dune: Part Two” excelled in technical categories at the 2025 Oscars. The sci-fi epic continued the franchise’s tradition of technical excellence.
“Wicked” claimed victories in both costume and production design categories. These wins recognized the film’s vibrant visual presentation.
How did the use of AI in ‘The Brutalist’ spur ethical discussions in the film industry?
“The Brutalist,” which earned Adrien Brody the Best Actor award, sparked ethical debates due to its AI implementation. The film’s approach to artificial intelligence technology raised questions about creative boundaries.
Industry professionals discussed the balance between technological innovation and traditional filmmaking practices following the film’s recognition.
