The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night filled with historic wins, emotional speeches, and a celebration of cinematic excellence. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honored the most outstanding achievements in filmmaking from the past year. Among the biggest winners were Anora, which took home the prestigious Best Picture award, and I’m Still Here, which won Best International Feature Film. Let’s take a closer look at these categories and the full list of winners.
Best Picture: Anora
The highly anticipated Best Picture category saw Anora emerge victorious. Directed by Sean Baker, the film tells the gripping story of a Brooklyn dancer who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the world of wealth and crime after marrying the son of a Russian oligarch. Baker’s signature raw storytelling and immersive filmmaking style brought a deeply personal touch to the narrative, resonating with both audiences and critics.
Anora was not only praised for its storytelling but also for its powerful performances, particularly by lead actress Mikey Madison. The film was made on a modest budget yet proved that compelling storytelling trumps high production costs. In addition to Best Picture, Anora also secured wins for Best Director (Sean Baker) and Best Original Screenplay, making it one of the most celebrated films of the night.
Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here
Brazil made history this year with I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, winning Best International Feature Film. The film is based on the true story of Eunice Paiva, a woman whose husband was among those who disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
Salles’ direction brings a deeply emotional and politically charged narrative to the screen, shedding light on a lesser-known but significant chapter of history. The film’s raw performances, stunning cinematography, and impactful storytelling earned it widespread recognition. I’m Still Here had already gained momentum on the festival circuit, winning Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival and the Audience Award at Rotterdam before its Oscar triumph.
In his acceptance speech, Salles dedicated the award to the memory of those who fought against oppression and to the cast and crew who helped bring this powerful story to life.
Complete List of Notable Winners
Aside from Anora and I’m Still Here, several other films and performances stood out at the 97th Academy Awards. Here’s a rundown of some of the night’s major winners:
- Best Director – Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Actor – Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress – Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Animated Feature – Flow (Directed by Gints Zilbalodis)
- Best Original Screenplay – Anora (Sean Baker)
- Best Adapted Screenplay – Poor Things (Tony McNamara)
- Best Cinematography – Oppenheimer (Hoyte van Hoytema)
- Best Film Editing – Anora
Memorable Moments from the Ceremony
This year’s Oscars ceremony was filled with unforgettable moments, from heartfelt speeches to historic wins. Some highlights included:
Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Brilliance
Comedian Conan O’Brien brought his signature wit and charm to the ceremony, delivering a monologue filled with lighthearted jabs and well-timed humor. His hosting style struck the perfect balance between entertainment and respect for the nominees and winners.
Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo’s Performance
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a breathtaking performance of Defying Gravity from the upcoming Wicked film adaptation. Their duet was met with a standing ovation and added a musical highlight to the evening.
A Celebration of Independent Cinema
With Anora winning Best Picture and Flow becoming the first independent animated film to take home Best Animated Feature, the night was a significant win for independent filmmakers. This signals a shift in the industry toward valuing unique, personal storytelling over blockbuster-driven narratives.
Tributes and Legacy Awards
The Academy honored the late Martin Scorsese with a lifetime achievement tribute, celebrating his decades-long contribution to cinema. A moving in-memoriam segment paid homage to industry legends who passed away in the past year, including Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Hans Zimmer.
The Significance of This Year’s Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards proved to be a defining moment in modern filmmaking. The dominance of films like Anora and I’m Still Here showcases a growing appreciation for diverse storytelling that extends beyond mainstream Hollywood. The recognition of international films, independent cinema, and socially impactful narratives demonstrates that audiences and critics alike are embracing fresh perspectives.
Additionally, the success of Flow in the animated category and Emilia Pérez winning Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña highlights a shift towards more diverse voices in the film industry. With so many historic wins and inspiring speeches, this year’s Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event in cinema history.
As the industry continues to evolve, the 97th Academy Awards solidified the notion that great storytelling transcends borders, budgets, and genres. Whether it’s an independent drama from Brooklyn or a powerful historical film from Brazil, the power of film remains unmatched in its ability to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences worldwide.
