The 2025 Academy Awards delivered an evening of triumphs, surprises, and emotional moments, with independent and international films taking center stage. Leading the charge was Anora, which swept five major awards, including Best Picture, cementing its place in cinematic history. Other notable winners included The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Dune: Part Two, showcasing a diverse and dynamic year in filmmaking.
Anora Steals the Spotlight
Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing five Oscars. In addition to winning Best Picture, the film’s lead, Mikey Madison, took home the Best Actress award for her portrayal of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. While her win was expected, many had anticipated Demi Moore to win for The Substance.
Sean Baker was also named Best Director and used his speech to advocate for the survival of cinemas, emphasizing their cultural significance. Anora further won Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, making Baker only the second person in history to win four Oscars in one night, tying Walt Disney’s record—though Disney won his for multiple projects.
The Brutalist and Adrien Brody’s Return
Adrien Brody claimed his second-Best Actor Oscar, 22 years after winning for The Pianist. His role as Hungarian architect Lazlo Toth in The Brutalist impressed audiences and critics alike. In an emotional acceptance speech, Brody credited his partner, Georgina Chapman, for reigniting his self-worth.
The Brutalist also won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, affirming its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Supporting Actors Shine
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, marking a high point in his career. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldana took home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez. Overcome with emotion, she dedicated her win to her immigrant parents and celebrated with her family, who were present at the ceremony.
International and Musical Achievements
Brazilian director Walter Salles won Best International Feature for I’m Still Here, a poignant drama set during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The film’s lead, Fernanda Torres, has since gained significant recognition in the U.S.
Best Original Song went to El Mal from Emilia Perez, announced by rock legend Mick Jagger. Meanwhile, Wicked won Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, with Paul Tazewell making history as the first Black man to receive the Costume Design award.
Genre Films and Technical Achievements
The Substance, known for its intense prosthetics and gore, won for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, its sole award of the night.
Sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two dominated in technical categories, securing Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Director Denis Villeneuve’s visionary storytelling was once again celebrated, reinforcing Dune’s status as a sci-fi powerhouse.
Documentaries with a Message
The documentary categories saw politically charged wins. The Only Girl in the Orchestra won Best Documentary Short, while No Other Land, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, won Best Documentary Feature. Filmmakers Basel Dra and Yuval Abraham used their platform to urge the U.S. to reconsider its foreign policies, emphasizing the need for peace.
Celebrating Animation and Short Films
Best Animated Feature went to Flow, a Latvian CGI film, while Best Animated Short Film was awarded to Iranian entry The Shadow of the Cypress, both of which were unique in being dialogue-free.
Meanwhile, I’m Not A Robot, a thought-provoking live-action short exploring AI identity crises, won Best Live Action Short Film.
In Memoriam: Honoring Legends
The ceremony’s emotional peak came during the In Memoriam tribute. Morgan Freeman honored two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who had recently passed away along with his wife and dog. A video montage commemorated late stars such as Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Joan Plowright, Donald Sutherland, James Earl Jones, Kris Kristofferson, and David Lynch.
Additionally, Quincy Jones was honored in a heartfelt segment led by Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Queen Latifah, celebrating his immense contributions to music and film.
The 2025 Academy Awards was a night that celebrated the power of storytelling, diversity in filmmaking, and the enduring magic of cinema. With Anora’s historic sweep, Adrien Brody’s return to glory, and international and independent films gaining widespread recognition, this year’s Oscars reinforced the evolving landscape of Hollywood and global cinema.
(With inputs from agencies)
