Discover the highlights of the 2025 Oscars, where ‘Anora’ shines with five Academy Awards and Adrien Brody secures his second Best Actor win.
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated a year of cinematic brilliance. The evening was marked by the exceptional success of “Anora,” which clinched five Oscars, including Best Picture. Additionally, Adrien Brody secured his second Best Actor award, underscoring his enduring talent in the film industry. This article delves into the highlights of the ceremony, the impact of “Anora,” Brody’s remarkable achievement, and provides a comprehensive list of the night’s winners.
‘Anora’ Dominates the Oscars with Five Awards
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the standout film of the evening, winning five Oscars:
- Best Picture: The film’s compelling narrative and outstanding execution earned it the night’s top honor.
- Best Director: Sean Baker’s visionary direction was recognized, adding to his growing list of accolades.
- Best Original Screenplay: Baker’s original script captivated audiences and critics alike.
- Best Editing: The film’s seamless editing played a crucial role in its storytelling.
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character, Anora, was both powerful and nuanced, earning her the award.
This remarkable achievement ties Baker with Walt Disney’s record for the most Oscars won by an individual in a single year.
The Story Behind ‘Anora’
“Anora” tells the story of Anora Mikheeva, a young stripper who impulsively marries Vanya Zakharov, the son of a Russian oligarch. Set against the backdrop of New York’s underworld, the film evolves from a love story into a thrilling narrative that explores themes of economic disparity and survival. The film’s portrayal of a sex worker’s life has been lauded for its depth and authenticity.
Mikey Madison’s Breakthrough Performance
Mikey Madison’s portrayal of Anora has been widely acclaimed, marking a significant milestone in her acting career. Her ability to embody the complexities of her character contributed significantly to the film’s success and her Best Actress win.
Adrien Brody’s Second Best Actor Win
Adrien Brody secured his second Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Brutalist,” a film that also won awards for Best Cinematography and Original Score. Brody’s previous win was in 2003 for “The Pianist,” making this a notable comeback.
‘The Brutalist’: A Cinematic Achievement
“The Brutalist” explores the life of a visionary architect, with Brody delivering a powerful performance that delves into the character’s personal and professional struggles. The film’s distinct visual style and compelling narrative have been praised by critics and audiences alike.
Full List of Winners
Below is a comprehensive list of the winners from the 97th Academy Awards:
Major Categories
- Best Picture: “Anora”
- Best Director: Sean Baker for “Anora”
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist”
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison for “Anora”
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain”
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for “Emilia Pérez”
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker for “Anora”
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Not specified
- Best International Feature: “I’m Still Here”
- Best Animated Feature: “Flow”
- Best Documentary Feature: “No Other Land”
Technical Categories
- Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist”
- Best Film Editing: “Anora”
- Best Production Design: “Wicked”
- Best Costume Design: “Wicked”
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Not specified
- Best Sound: “Dune: Part Two”
- Best Visual Effects: “Dune: Part Two”
- Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”
- Best Original Song: Not specified