A Night of Glamour and Triumph
The 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best in cinema with a star-studded ceremony. The big winner of the night was Anora, which took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. The evening also saw standout performances recognized, with Mikey Madison winning Best Actress and Adrien Brody clinching Best Actor. Here’s a full rundown of the winners and highlights from the 2025 Oscars.
‘Anora’ Dominates the Night
Sean Baker’s Anora was the undeniable star of the evening, sweeping five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The film, a poignant exploration of human resilience, resonated deeply with both critics and audiences, cementing Baker’s reputation as one of the most visionary filmmakers of our time.
Top Acting Honors
In a highly competitive category, Mikey Madison emerged victorious, winning Best Actress for her riveting performance in Anora. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating life’s challenges captivated the Academy and audiences alike.
Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his powerful role in The Brutalist, beating out fan favorite Timothée Chalamet. Brody’s win marks a triumphant return to the Oscars stage, two decades after his first win for The Pianist.
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her transformative role in Emilia Pérez, while Kieran Culkin kicked off the night with a win for Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Culkin’s heartfelt acceptance speech set the tone for an evening filled with emotion and celebration.
Other Notable Wins
Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave, written by Peter Straughan
Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell for Wicked
Memorable Moments
The 2025 Oscars was not just about the awards; it was also a night of unforgettable moments. From heartfelt speeches to stunning red-carpet fashion, the ceremony celebrated the magic of cinema and the talent behind it. Demi Moore, though not a winner this year, graced the stage as a presenter, adding a touch of Hollywood royalty to the event.
Full List of 2025 Oscar 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
Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker — Anora
Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan — Conclave
Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell — Wicked
Best Film Editing: Sean Baker — Anora