The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, delivered a night of stunning victories and viral moments. Sean Baker’s “Anora” emerged as the night’s dominant force, securing Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for the groundbreaking Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody’s second Best Actor win for “The Brutalist” marked a powerful return, while Zoe Saldaña made history with her Best Supporting Actress win. From social media frenzy to heartfelt tributes, the 2025 Oscars had it all.
“Anora” Achieves Sweeping Victory
Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a compelling blend of romance and drama, captivated the Academy, earning five Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture. The film, which follows a Brooklyn exotic dancer’s unexpected marriage, also garnered Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
In his acceptance speech, Baker emphasized the importance of cinema as a communal experience, stating, “Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience. We laugh together, cry together, and in a time when the world feels divided, this is more important than ever.”
Mikey Madison, at 25, became one of the youngest Best Actress winners, earning widespread acclaim for her nuanced portrayal.
Adrien Brody’s Powerful Return
Adrien Brody received his second Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Brutalist,” delivering a poignant performance as a post-war architect. His emotional acceptance speech reflected on the transient nature of an acting career. “Acting is a very fragile profession,” he said. “It looks glamorous, but it can all go away. What makes this night special is the awareness of that and the gratitude I have to still do the work I love.” A lighthearted moment occurred during his speech when he casually tossed his chewing gum to his partner, Georgina Chapman.
Zoe Saldaña Makes History
Zoe Saldaña’s Best Supporting Actress win for “Emilia Pérez” marked a historic moment, as she became the first actor of Dominican heritage to receive an Oscar. Her heartfelt speech honored her immigrant parents and celebrated her heritage. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands,” Saldaña said. “I know I will not be the last.”
Viral Moments and Social Media Buzz
The 2025 Oscars sparked a social media frenzy with several viral moments. An error on the Academy’s X account, mistaking Benny Blanco for Bad Bunny, led to a flurry of memes. “They tweeted ‘Selena Gomez and Bad Bunny’ with their whole chest, I’m screaming,” one user commented. Despite the mix-up, Gomez and Blanco enjoyed the night.
Another notable moment was Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreating their iconic 2003 Oscars kiss on the red carpet, with Berry joking, “I had to pay him back.”
Timothée Chalamet’s fans rallied behind him, declaring him the “People’s Winner” despite his loss. Some fans even humorously attributed his loss to a “bad luck” theory involving his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
Diversity Debate Reignited
Elon Musk’s criticism of the Academy’s diversity standards sparked a heated debate. Musk argued for nominations based solely on merit, reigniting discussions about diversity quotas versus meritocracy.
Other Notable Wins and Tributes
- Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.”
- “I’m Still Here” from Brazil won Best International Film.
- “Flow” won Best Animated Feature.
- “Dune: Part Two” dominated Best Visual Effects and Sound.
- Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for “Wicked.”
The Oscars also featured electrifying performances honoring James Bond, with Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE delivering memorable renditions. Morgan Freeman paid tribute to the late Gene Hackman, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema.
A Night to Remember
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the power of storytelling and the diverse talents that bring films to life. From “Anora’s” historic sweep to the viral moments and heartfelt tributes, the night underscored the enduring magic of cinema.Sources and related content
