The 97th Academy Awards were a night full of surprises, heartfelt speeches, and historic wins. This year's Oscars celebrated both groundbreaking filmmaking and unforgettable performances, with Anora leading the charge. Here’s a look at the big winners of the night.
BEST PICTURE
Anora
Anora was the clear winner in the Best Picture category, sweeping the night with its captivating storytelling and incredible performances. Directed by Sean Baker, the film took home the top prize, solidifying its place as the film of the year. Its blend of emotion, visuals, and innovation made it a favorite amongst critics and voters alike.
BEST DIRECTOR
Sean Baker for Anora
Sean Baker’s direction of Anora earned him the Best Director Oscar. Known for his unique cinematic style, Baker’s vision for Anora was lauded for its depth and creativity. In his acceptance speech, Baker expressed his love for movie theaters and the magic they bring, a sentiment that resonated with many.
BEST ACTOR
Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
Adrien Brody's intense performance in The Brutalist won him his second Oscar, this time for Best Actor. His portrayal of a tortured artist navigating a dark world earned widespread acclaim, and his heartfelt acceptance speech made for one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
BEST ACTRESS
Mikey Madison for Anora
In a surprising upset, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in Anora, beating out frontrunners like Demi Moore. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with personal loss and self-discovery was lauded as one of the year’s most remarkable performances.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Yura Borisov for Anora
Anora continued its winning streak with Yura Borisov taking home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. His performance in the film was praised for its subtlety and emotional depth, making him a standout in a highly competitive category.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Zoe Saldana for Emilia Perez
Zoe Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez. Her powerful performance in the film, which explores themes of resilience and self-identity, impressed voters and critics alike, marking a well-deserved win.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Sean Baker for Anora
Anora took home another Oscar in the Original Screenplay category. Written by Sean Baker, the film’s screenplay was praised for its originality, emotional depth, and its ability to create a captivating narrative that resonated with audiences around the world.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
James Mangold & Jay Cocks for A Complete Unknown
In the Adapted Screenplay category, James Mangold and Jay Cocks won for their work on A Complete Unknown. The film, based on a popular novel, featured an intricate script that brought complex characters and situations to life in a way that impressed voters.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Flow
Flow, a stunning animated feature from Latvia, won Best Animated Feature, beating out other big contenders like Inside Out 2 and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The film’s lack of dialogue and unique visual storytelling helped it stand out, and its victory was a historic moment for animation.
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
I'm Still Here (Brazil)
Brazil’s I'm Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, won Best International Feature, continuing its successful run on the international awards circuit. The film’s poignant story about survival and self-discovery resonated with audiences and Academy voters, marking a proud moment for Brazilian cinema.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Brutalist - Lol Crawley
Lol Crawley’s breathtaking cinematography in The Brutalist won the Oscar for Best Cinematography. His work brought the film’s haunting and atmospheric visuals to life, cementing The Brutalist as one of the most visually striking films of the year.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Black Box Diaries
In the documentary category, Black Box Diaries took home the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. This poignant film, which delves into personal and social histories, captured the essence of its subjects in a way that left a lasting impact on viewers.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Brutalist - Daniel Blumberg
The hauntingly beautiful score of The Brutalist by Daniel Blumberg won Best Original Score. Blumberg’s music perfectly complemented the film’s dark and atmospheric tone, making it a standout in this category.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“El Mal” from Emilia Perez
“El Mal” from Emilia Perez won Best Original Song. The track, which added a powerful layer to the film’s emotional depth, was a clear favorite among voters.
BEST SOUND
Dune: Part Two
The immersive sound design of Dune: Part Two earned it the Oscar for Best Sound. The film’s epic scale and attention to auditory detail made it a standout in this category.
HONORARY AWARDS
Quincy Jones & Juliet Taylor
Music legend Quincy Jones and casting director Juliet Taylor were honored with the Academy’s Honorary Award for their outstanding contributions to film and music. Their work has had an enduring impact on Hollywood, and this recognition was well-deserved.
The 2025 Academy Awards were a night to remember, with Anora emerging as the biggest winner, taking home multiple awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Dune: Part Two also had standout moments, each claiming key categories. It was a celebration of diverse and exceptional filmmaking, with performances that will be remembered for years to come.