THE 97TH ACADEMY AWARDS 2025
words NIA TOPALOVA
On March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards took place at the spectacular Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with Conan O'Brien as the host for the evening. The night was filled with laughter, defining moments, and recognition of the best in cinema, while also reflecting the changing landscape of the film industry. The event featured heartfelt tributes, including one to the first responders who battled the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January.
image ABC News
The ceremony included 23 categories, and the big winner of the night was the bold and raw Anora, directed by Sean Baker. It claimed five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film, a gritty Cinderella story set in a strip club, earned acclaim for its portrayal of a sex worker’s rise to power. This victory highlighted the Academy’s increasing recognition of independent cinema.
Dune: Part Two and Wicked also had strong showings, with each film earning two awards. Dune: Part Two continued its journey in the sci-fi realm, while Wicked saw major recognition for its production design, including Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Best Costume Design. Other notable wins included Flow, which took Best Animated Feature, marking a major win for international cinema. The film’s surreal animation and storytelling, directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, stood out as a visually stunning achievement. I'm Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, won Best International Feature, adding to Brazil’s growing presence at the Oscars.
The evening was not without its controversies. The Brutalist faced criticism over the use of AI in altering Adrien Brody’s accent, raising larger questions about the role of technology in filmmaking and the ethics surrounding it. Nevertheless, The Brutalist was recognised with three Oscars, including Best Cinematography and Best Actor for Adrien Brody, marking his second Oscar. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña won in the supporting acting categories, with Saldaña giving an emotional speech about the importance of celebrating immigrants and their contributions to cinema.
The musical elements of this year’s ceremony took a different approach. Instead of live performances of nominated songs, the Academy featured cinematic tributes, including a medley celebrating The Wizard of Oz and a tribute to the James Bond franchise.
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated artistic excellence and shedded light on the complexities facing the modern film industry. The wins for films like Anora and Flow demonstrated a broader acceptance of diverse voices and stories in the industry. The ceremony acknowledged groundbreaking achievements and milestones, marking another step in the Academy’s ongoing effort to stay relevant in a changing cultural landscape.
images via Los Angeles Times
