The 97th Academy Awards took place last night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien making his debut as the host. The evening was filled with memorable speeches, record-breaking wins, and some unexpected turns that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Biggest Winners of the Night
The independent film Anora was the standout winner of the night, taking home five Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture award. The film’s director, Sean Baker, made history by winning four Oscars in one night, securing awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. His achievement marks one of the most dominant performances in Oscar history.
In the acting categories, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in Anora, a win that left many in awe given the tough competition, particularly against Demi Moore (The Substance), who was visibly emotional after the loss. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody clinched Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest talents.
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldaña for her performance in Emilia Pérez, marking a significant career milestone. On the other hand, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, adding another feather to his cap following his acclaimed performances in recent years.
Historic and Record-Breaking Wins
One of the biggest stories of the night was Emilia Pérez, which led with 13 nominations, making history as the most-nominated non-English language film. The film ultimately took home multiple awards, further showcasing the growing global influence on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Another groundbreaking moment came when Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt moment that resonated with audiences and fellow industry professionals alike.
Memorable Moments and Highlights
-
Morgan Freeman’s Tribute to Gene Hackman: The legendary actor delivered an emotional tribute to the late Gene Hackman, celebrating his incredible contributions to the film industry.
-
Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Success: Making his Oscars hosting debut, Conan O’Brien received positive reviews for his mix of humor and respect for the industry, keeping the show lively and engaging.
-
Demi Moore’s Disappointment: While the night was full of celebrations, Moore’s reaction to losing the Best Actress award became a talking point, with many noting her visible frustration.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Academy Awards will be remembered for its landmark victories, emotional speeches, and the continuing evolution of cinema’s biggest night. With Anora dominating the evening and history being made in multiple categories, this year’s Oscars reaffirmed Hollywood’s commitment to celebrating diverse and groundbreaking storytelling.
For a full list of winners and more details, visit the official Oscars website.