The 97th Academy Awards was nothing short of spectacular. It was a night filled with groundbreaking victories, emotional speeches, and historic firsts. Sean Baker’s Anora dominated the event, walking away with five Oscars 2025, including the coveted Best Picture award. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldana and Paul Tazewell etched their names in the history books with their remarkable wins. From first-time winners to record-breaking achievements, let’s take a deep dive into the unforgettable moments that defined this year’s Oscars.
Anora Shines Brightest with Five Oscar Wins
Sean Baker’s indie masterpiece Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night. Competing against big-budget heavyweights like The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Wicked, the film stole the show, proving that powerful storytelling always prevails. Baker made history by becoming the first filmmaker to win four Oscars 2025 in a single night for one movie, clinching awards for Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Adding to Anora’s glory, Mikey Madison’s stellar performance earned her the Best Actress award, cementing the film’s dominance at the ceremony.
Latvia’s First Oscar Win with Flow
The animated film Flow made history by becoming Latvia’s first-ever Oscar-winning movie. This visually breathtaking, dialogue-free masterpiece took home the award for Best Animated Feature, making it the first independent film to claim the honor. While Flow was also nominated for Best International Feature, that award ultimately went to Brazil’s I’m Still Here.
Paul Tazewell Becomes the First Black Man to Win Best Costume Design
Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design, thanks to his stunning work on Wicked. Previously nominated for West Side Story, Tazewell finally secured the win, dedicating it to Wicked’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. His intricate costume designs played a vital role in bringing the magical world of Wicked to life, earning him well-deserved recognition.
Zoe Saldana’s Historic Best Supporting Actress Win
Zoe Saldana became the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award, bagging the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her incredible performance in Emilia Perez. In an emotional acceptance speech, Saldana paid tribute to her immigrant family and spoke about the importance of breaking barriers in Hollywood. Her win not only recognized her talent but also inspired many aspiring actors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Brazil Finally Wins Best International Feature
After five nominations, Brazilian filmmakers finally claimed their first Academy Award. I’m Still Here, a film based on the life of Eunice Paiva and the struggles her family endured under Brazil’s military dictatorship, won Best International Feature. The film resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, shining a light on a crucial part of Brazilian history.
Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor for The Brutalist
Adrien Brody delivered a powerhouse performance in The Brutalist, earning him the Best Actor award. Known for his method of acting and immersive roles, Brody’s portrayal in this critically acclaimed film left audiences in awe.
Kieran Culkin Wins Best Supporting Actor
Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain. His performance stood out in a competitive category, proving that his acting prowess continues to grow with each project.
Conclave Wins Best Adapted Screenplay
The prestigious Best Adapted Screenplay award went to Conclave.
A gripping drama that captivated audiences with its sharp storytelling and masterful adaptation. The win added another feather to the cap of an already remarkable night.
India’s Anuja Falls Short in Best Live Action Short Film Category
India’s only shortlisted entry, Anuja, was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. However, it lost to I’m Not a Robot, crushing India’s hopes of securing an Oscar this year. The film, backed by Bollywood powerhouse Priyanka Chopra and two-time Oscar 2025 winner Guneet Monga.
Had garnered significant buzz leading up to the event.
Spectacular Performances and Tributes
The Oscars 2025 weren’t just about awards—it was a night of dazzling performances and heartfelt tributes. The ceremony opened with a stunning performance by Wicked’s Oscar-nominated stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Later in the night, Doja Cat, Lisa from BLACKPINK.
Raye came together for a show-stopping tribute to the iconic music of James Bond films.
In a poignant moment, the Los Angeles Master Chorale delivered a moving tribute to the victims and heroes of the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
leaving the audience deeply emotional.
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Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards was more than just a night of glitz and glamour—it was a celebration of diversity, storytelling, and historic achievements. From Sean Baker’s Anora dominating the night to Zoe Saldana and Paul Tazewell breaking barriers, the Oscars 2025 will be remembered for years to come. With so many first-time winners and record-setting moments.
This year’s ceremony proved that Hollywood is evolving, embracing new voices.
And telling stories that truly matter.
