The 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night to remember. Hosted by the ever-charming Conan O'Brien, the ceremony was a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartfelt speeches to shocking upsets. Sean Baker's Anora emerged as the undisputed champion, sweeping four major awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. But the night wasn't just about Anora—Adrien Brody's career resurgence, Mikey Madison's unexpected Best Actress win, and Latvia's first-ever Oscar for Flow added layers of drama and excitement to the evening.
The Big Winner: Anora
Sean Baker's Anora was the star of the show, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Baker's four wins tied Walt Disney's record for the most Oscars won by a single person in one night. The film, a sex romp that charmed audiences and critics alike, continued its awards season dominance, proving that Baker's unique storytelling resonates deeply with The Academy. Mikey Madison's Best Actress win was a shocker, beating out heavyweights like Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres. Madison's performance as a lovable yet flawed protagonist was a revelation, and her win signaled a new era for young talent in Hollywood.
Brody's Redemption Arc
Adrien Brody's Best Actor win for The Brutalist was one of the night's most emotional moments. Nearly two decades after his The Pianist triumph, Brody's career had seen its share of ups and downs. But his portrayal of a tormented architect in The Brutalist reminded everyone why he's one of the most talented actors of his generation. In his acceptance speech, Brody spoke about resilience and reinvention, marking this win as the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Technical Brilliance and International Flair
The Brutalist also scored wins for Best Original Score (Daniel Blumberg) and Best Cinematography (Lol Crawley). Crawley's inventive visuals, including the iconic upside-down shot of the Statue of Liberty, were a testament to the film's artistic ambition. On the international front, Walter Salles's I'm Still Here won Best International Feature, breaking France's decades-long losing streak in the category. Meanwhile, Latvia made history with Flow winning Best Animated Feature, a well-deserved recognition for Gints Zilbalodis's visionary storytelling.
Upsets and Snubs
Not everything went as predicted. Karla Sofia Gascon's controversies likely cost Emilia Perez the Best International Feature Oscar, though Zoe Saldaña's Best Supporting Actress win and the film's victory for Best Original Song (“El Mal”) provided some consolation. Another surprise was No Other Land winning Best Documentary. The Palestinian/Israeli film, which struggled to find U.S. distribution, triumphed against the odds, thanks to the efforts of publicity firm Cinetic Media.
The Ceremony: Conan O'Brien Shines
Conan O'Brien's hosting was a highlight, blending his signature wit with heartfelt tributes to the art of cinema. His playful jabs at Hollywood's quirks and his genuine admiration for the nominees kept the audience entertained. The night's most memorable moment came when O'Brien quipped, “If Anora wins one more award, Sean Baker might need a forklift to carry his Oscars home.”
Major Winners:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Notable Highlights:
- Anora dominated the night with five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker.
- Adrien Brody's portrayal in The Brutalist earned him his second Best Actor Oscar, marking a significant comeback.
- Zoe Saldaña's performance in Emilia Pérez garnered her the Best Supporting Actress award, despite controversies surrounding the film.
Complete List of Winners:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
- Best International Feature: I'm Still Here (Brazil)
- Best Original Score: Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist)
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best Documentary: No Other Land
- Best Cinematography: Lol Crawley (The Brutalist)
- Best Editing: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Original Song: “El Mal” (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling: The Substance
- Best Production Design: Wicked
- Best Costume Design: Wicked
The 97th Academy Awards was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Anora's dominance, Brody's comeback, and the historic wins for Flow and No Other Land made it a night to remember. While some upsets left audiences divided, the overall sentiment was one of joy and appreciation for the art of filmmaking. As the curtain falls on another awards season, one question lingers: What will 2026 bring to the Oscars stage?
What did you think of this year's Oscars? Were you thrilled with Anora's sweep, or did you root for another film? Share your thoughts below!
