‘Anora’ dominates 2025 Oscars with 5 big wins
US producer Alex Coco (L) and US producer Samantha Quan (R) pose with their awards for Best Picture for "Anora" with US filmmaker Sean Baker and his awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture for "Anora" in the press room during the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, March 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The winners of the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars and considered one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry, have been announced.
This year’s ceremony, held for the 97th time, took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, U.S. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony opened with performances by American pop star Ariana Grande and British singer and actress Cynthia Erivo.
The romantic comedy Anora swept the 2025 Academy Awards on Sunday, taking home five Oscars, including the prestigious best picture award. The film also won accolades for best actress, best director, best original screenplay, and best film editing.
Mikey Madison earned the best actress award for her portrayal of Ani, a sex worker navigating a troubled marriage in a Russian-American neighborhood in New York. Sean Baker, the creative force behind “Anora”, claimed the Oscar for best director.
Emotional wins and historic moments
Adrian Brody triumphed in the best actor category for his role in “The Brutalist”, a period drama set in the 1940s and 1950s. Brody’s character, a Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor, struggles to achieve the American dream in the U.S. until a wealthy client changes his fate. The film also secured Oscars for best cinematography and best original score.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin was recognized for his performance in “A Real Pain”. Culkin played Benji, a cousin on a Jewish heritage tour through Poland, alongside Jesse Eisenberg.
Zoe Saldana made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, taking home best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Perez”. She portrayed Rita Castro, a lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord seeking gender-affirming surgery. Saldana’s heartfelt speech honored her immigrant heritage, saying, “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
“Emilia Perez” also won best original song for “El Mal”, beating out Ariana Grande, who was nominated for her role as Galinda in the musical “Wicked”. “Wicked” still managed to earn awards for best costume design and best Production Design.”
Emilia Perez also won Best Original Song for “El Mal”, beating out Ariana Grande, who was nominated for her role as Galinda in the musical “Wicked”. “Wicked” still managed to earn awards for best costume design and best production design.
Political statements and controversy
The best documentary feature award went to “No Other Land”, a film produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective. The documentary follows a Palestinian activist who forms a friendship with an Israeli journalist to pursue justice amid the ongoing regional conflict.
During the ceremony, directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham called for an end to “ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians in their acceptance speech. Abraham criticized U.S. foreign policies for hindering peace, emphasizing, “I live under civil governance and freedom, while Basel lives under military laws that control and devastate his life.”
Actress Daryl Hannah also stirred controversy by saying “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) during the best film editing presentation. While her comment drew applause, critics on social media accused her of unnecessarily politicizing the event.
Notable winners of 97th Academy Awards
- Best picture: “Anora”
- Best director: Sean Baker for “Anora”
- Best actress: Mikey Madison for “Anora”
- Best actor: Adrian Brody for “The Brutalist”
- Best supporting actress: Zoe Saldana for “Emilia Perez”
- Best supporting actor: Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain”
- Best original song: “El Mal” for “Emilia Perez”
- Best cinematography: “The Brutalist”
- Best visual effects: “Dune: Part Two”
- Best animated feature: “Flow”
- Best international feature: “I’m Still Here” for “Brazil”
