On March 3, 2025 (EST), the 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, bringing together the best talents in cinema. Conan O’Brien hosted the star-studded event, where the independent film Anora dominated the night with multiple wins. With a mix of historic victories and unexpected upsets, here is the complete list of winners at Oscars 2025 winners.
Best Picture & Directing: Anora Sweeps the Night
Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home the Best Picture award. Baker also secured victories in the categories of Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, making him one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the night. Critics praised Sean Baker for his raw storytelling and innovative cinematography in Anora.
Mikey Madison’s outstanding performance in Anora earned her the Best Actress award. Notably, she surpassed veteran actress Demi Moore, who many expected to win for The Substance. Moreover, Madison’s victory marked a significant moment for independent cinema, further emphasizing the growing influence of unconventional storytelling in Oscars 2025 winners.
Major Acting Wins: Adrien Brody & Zoe Saldaña Shine
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody won for his role in The Brutalist, marking another milestone in his career. His portrayal of a struggling architect navigating political turmoil was widely praised for its depth and complexity.
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin took home the award for A Real Pain, proving his versatility beyond television. His heartfelt performance resonated with audiences, adding another accolade to his career in Oscars 2025 winners.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña won for Emilia Pérez, delivering an emotional speech about her immigrant heritage that resonated with audiences worldwide. She thanked her family and dedicated the award to underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
Technical Awards & Artistic Achievements
-
Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer – Hoyte van Hoytema’s breathtaking visuals seamlessly brought historical events to life, enhancing the film’s storytelling.
-
Best Production Design: Wicked – Furthermore, the vibrant and immersive world of Wicked was honored for its outstanding set design, making it a visual spectacle.
-
Best Costume Design: Wicked – In addition, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win in this category, receiving well-deserved recognition for his intricate and visually striking costumes.
-
Best Sound: Dune: Part Two – Moreover, the film’s immersive sound design played a crucial role in enhancing its epic storytelling, creating a captivating experience for audiences.
-
Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two – Thanks to its cutting-edge CGI and practical effects, Dune: Part Two secured a well-earned win in Oscars 2025 winners, further proving its technical brilliance.
-
Best Film Editing: Anora – Similarly, Sean Baker’s sharp editing style contributed significantly to the film’s gripping narrative, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.
-
Best Original Score: Poor Things – Additionally, the film received recognition for its mesmerizing and innovative musical composition, which elevated its emotional impact.
-
Best Adapted Screenplay: Oppenheimer – Lastly, Christopher Nolan’s masterful adaptation of American Prometheus captivated audiences, reinforcing his reputation as a visionary storyteller.
Animated & International Films Recognized
- Best Animated Feature: Flow – An experimental film that captivated audiences with its artistry, blending traditional and modern animation techniques.
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land – A politically impactful documentary that resonated globally, shedding light on pressing humanitarian issues.
- Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil) – A powerful depiction of resilience and identity, making a strong impression worldwide in Oscars 2025 winners.
Memorable Moments & Trending Topics
While the awards celebrated excellence, several key moments made headlines:
- #JusticeForDemiMoore Trends: Fans were outraged as Moore lost Best Actress to Mikey Madison, believing her performance in The Substance was award-worthy.
- Adam Sandler’s Red Carpet Look: The comedian-actor showed up in a sweatshirt and gym shorts, breaking tradition and sparking debates about red carpet fashion norms.
- Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner’s PDA: The couple made waves with their affectionate moments throughout the night, stealing attention both on and off the stage in Oscars 2025 winners.
- Conan O’Brien’s Hindi Moment: The host attempted to speak Hindi during his monologue, which received mixed reactions from the audience and social media.
- Halle Berry & Adrien Brody’s Throwback Kiss: The two actors recreated their infamous Oscars kiss from 2003, sending social media into a frenzy.
- In Memoriam Controversy: Fans noticed missing names in the tribute, sparking online debates about the selection process for this segment.
- Samuel L. Jackson & Robert Downey Jr.’s Reunion: The Marvel stars delighted fans as they reunited on stage, reminiscing about their time in the MCU.
- Zoe Saldaña’s Powerful Speech: The actress dedicated her win to the struggles of immigrants and shared a heartfelt message about diversity in Hollywood.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Surprises & Celebrations
The Oscars 2025 winners showcased Hollywood’s shifting landscape, as independent films took center stage and diverse storytelling gained well-deserved recognition. Notably, Anora dominated the night, marking a significant shift toward bold and unconventional narratives. Meanwhile, victories in the acting categories highlighted both seasoned veterans and rising stars, proving that talent continues to shine across generations.
Moreover, the Oscar 2025 highlight moments added to the night’s excitement, from emotional speeches to unexpected viral moments. With record-breaking wins and unforgettable celebrations, the 97th Academy Awards cemented its place as a historic event in cinema. As Hollywood continues to evolve, film enthusiasts eagerly look forward to what the next year will bring to the silver screen in Oscars 2025 winners.
