Kristina Roberts
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, was a night of surprises, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments. Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the big winner, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, while Adrien Brody clinched his second Oscar for The Brutalist. From viral social media mishaps to heartfelt tributes, the Oscars 2025 had it all. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s highlights.
‘Anora’ Dominates the Night
Sean Baker’s Anora, a gritty yet heartwarming romantic comedy-drama, swept the Oscars with five wins, including the coveted Best Picture. The film, which follows a Brooklyn exotic dancer (Mikey Madison) who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, also won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
In his acceptance speech for Best Director, Baker made a passionate plea to preserve the theater-going experience. “Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience,” he said. “We laugh together, cry together, and in a time when the world feels divided, this is more important than ever.”
Mikey Madison, at just 25, became one of the youngest actresses to win Best Actress, joining the ranks of legends like Audrey Hepburn and Jennifer Lawrence. Her portrayal of a sharp-witted sex worker captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her a standing ovation.
Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return
Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor Oscar for his powerful performance in The Brutalist, where he played a Hungarian architect rebuilding his life after World War II. Brody, who first won in 2003 for The Pianist, delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the fragility 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.”
Brody also made headlines for a quirky moment during his speech, where he casually tossed his chewing gum to his partner, Georgina Chapman, before taking the stage.
Zoe Saldaña Makes History
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, becoming the first actor of Dominican heritage to win an Oscar. In her emotional speech, she honored her immigrant parents and thanked her family for their support.
“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 Oscars 2025 wasn’t just about the awards—it was also a night of viral moments. The Academy’s official X account accidentally referred to Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, Benny Blanco, as “Bad Bunny” in a post. Fans quickly noticed the mix-up, flooding social media with memes and jokes.
“They tweeted ‘Selena Gomez and Bad Bunny’ with their whole chest, I’m screaming,” one user wrote. Despite the online confusion, Gomez and Blanco enjoyed the night, cheering on Emilia Pérez co-star Zoe Saldaña as she took home her award.
Another viral moment came when Adrien Brody and Halle Berry recreated their infamous kiss from the 2003 Oscars on the red carpet. Berry joked, “I had to pay him back,” referencing their history.
Timothée Chalamet’s Fans Rally Behind Him
Despite losing Best Actor to Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet’s fans crowned him the “People’s Winner.” Social media erupted with support, with one fan tweeting, “Timothée Chalamet, the Oscar will be yours one day.”
Some fans even blamed Chalamet’s girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, for his loss, citing a “bad luck” theory that gained traction during awards season. “Notice every time Timothée has brought Kylie to an awards show, he’s lost,” one user wrote.
Diversity Debate Reignited
Elon Musk sparked controversy by criticizing the Academy’s diversity standards, calling them “messed up.” In a post on X, Musk argued that nominations should be based purely on merit rather than diversity quotas.
The Academy introduced diversity standards in 2020 to promote inclusivity in Hollywood, but Musk’s comments reignited the debate over meritocracy versus mandated diversity in filmmaking.
Other Notable Wins
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin won for A Real Pain, completing his awards season sweep.
- Best International Film: I’m Still Here from Brazil took home the award.
- Best Animated Feature: Flow triumphed over The Wild Robot.
- Best Visual Effects and Sound: Dune: Part Two dominated these categories.
- Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win for Wicked.
Memorable Performances and Tributes
The Oscars 2025 paid tribute to James Bond with electrifying performances by Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE. Lisa opened the segment with a stunning rendition of Live and Let Die, while Doja Cat and RAYE delivered show-stopping performances that left the audience in awe.
Morgan Freeman also honored the late Gene Hackman, calling him a “giant” of the film industry. “He won two Oscars and, more importantly, the hearts of film lovers worldwide,” Freeman said.
Final Thoughts
The 97th Academy Awards was a celebration of cinematic excellence, diversity, and the enduring power of storytelling. From Anora’s historic sweep to Adrien Brody’s triumphant return, the night was filled with unforgettable moments.
As the curtain closed on Hollywood’s biggest night, one thing was clear: the magic of movies continues to inspire, unite, and captivate audiences around the world.
