On March 2, Hollywood’s biggest stars sat in the Dolby Theatre to witness the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. From actors to costume designers, all were honored at the show hosted by former talk show host Conan O’Brien. There were performances by nominated actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as (or along with) a “James Bond” musical tribute performed by Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink and Raye. With surprises and memorable moments, here is a breakdown of the 2025 Oscars.
Best actors, actresses and pictures
One of the most praised awards, Best Picture, was handed to “Anora” The film took home four other Oscars, along with best director (Sean Baker). The film scored a 93% with critics and 89% with the audience, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Best documentary went to “No Other Land” and the best short documentary was awarded to “The Only Girl in the Orchestra.” The live action short film award went to “I’m Not A Robot” directed by Victoria and Trent Warmerdam. This was the first Oscars for all of these directors.
Adrien Bordy was awarded best actor in a leading role in “The Brutalist.” Some people on social media disagree with this, as AI was used to enhance his voice throughout the film.
“There is some controversy surrounding the fact that his performance was ‘AI assisted,’ referring to AI being used to perfect his Hungarian accent so that it could sound as authentic as possible,” film student Nadia Sommervile said. “The fact that AI is slowly being pervasively used in movies like that is a little bit upsetting, but that’s only a tiny blip in what otherwise is an incredible performance in a jaw-dropping movie. Leading a 3.5-hour long movie is no small task, but Bordy handles it amazingly.”
The best actress in a leading role went to Mikey Madison for her role in “Anora.” She is one of two best actress winners to be born in the 90’s. Critic Stephen Romei for The Australian said they would not be surprised if she were to receive an Oscar nomination.
Kieran Culkin took home the award for best supporting actor for his role in “A Real Pain.” The film scored high with both critics and fans. Reviews said that Culkin’s performance was beautiful and impactful. He has already taken home multiple awards in the same category this season.
Zoe Saldańa was awarded best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” She has swept previous award shows like the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She was the first person of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, and as she said, “won’t be the last.” She gave a powerful speech about her family and those around her.
“Flow” was awarded best animated film, and being a foreign movie this was the first of its kind. The film also featured no dialogue alongside beautiful animation. Associated Press said it was the best animated film of 2024. It was also the first time a Letvain film won an Oscar. Finally, best short animated film went to “In the Shadow of the Cypress.”
Best music, costumes, hair and makeup
Best costume was awarded to “Wicked” and designed by Paul Tazewell. He was the first Black man to win best costume design. His costumes told a story, according to the cast, with its bright colors and even down to the fabric used.
“The Substance” won best hair and makeup, and with insane special effect makeup needed in a horror film like Substance, it was not a shock. However, it was in a tough category to compete in films like “A Different Man,” “Nosferatu” and “Wicked”.
“It’s very rare that the big film award ceremonies acknowledge horror at all, so seeing “The Substance” get nominated for five Oscars was already amazing, and the Makeup win was absolutely deserved – the creature and body horror makeup in that movie is like nothing I’ve ever seen before it’s amazing,” Somerville said.
Best technical
“Conclave,” written by Peter Straughan, took home the best adapted screenplay. The film was based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The best original screenplay was awarded to ”Anora, ” written by Baker. He thanked his team and the sex worker community whose stories inspired the film.
Best film editing went to Baker for “Anora” as he stated the original film, he directed, was a mess and the editing was half of the work. Best production design went to “Wicked,” led by Nathan Crowley (production design) and Les Sandales (set decoration). This was Crowley’s ninth nomination and first win.
With its ability to tell a story even without words“The Brutalist” was awarded best cinematography. This film was an art piece according to reviewers on Rotten Tomato.
“El Mal” by Clénebt Ducol, Canille and Jacques Audiard was awarded best original song for a film. The song’s goal was to convey corruption within powerful people and this was achieved by singer Saldańa. Best original score was awarded to Daniel Blumberg for the film “The Brutalist”. This was another shock as it was against two musicals.
Lastly, best sound was awarded to Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill for “Dune: Part Two.” Also, Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Nefzer were awarded best visual effects for “Dune: Part Two.”
“I am very satisfied that Dune Pt 2 received its much deserved attention and I believe it should have gotten a more impressive award” Senior Adriana Bujazia said.
The 97th Academy Awards was full of firsts and broken records, while some film nerds are left disappointed with the awards, it was not too controversial. But with a night in which independent filmmakers, minorities and impactful stories were honored, it was an Oscars to remember.
