The 97th Academy Awards, held at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, witnessed a night of triumphs, heartfelt speeches, and groundbreaking wins. Hosted for the first time by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, the evening celebrated the best of cinema with Anora emerging as the biggest winner of the night, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Micky Madison.
Anora Leads the Pack
Sean Baker’s gripping drama Anora captivated audiences and critics alike, earning the coveted Best Picture award. The film’s remarkable storytelling and compelling performances cemented its place as a standout in this year’s Oscars race. Micky Madison’s stellar portrayal of the lead character won her the Best Actress award, marking a defining moment in her career. Baker also secured the Best Director award, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor
Veteran actor Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his commanding performance in The Brutalist. The film, which secured three Oscars, showcased Brody’s exceptional range and dedication to his craft.
Supporting Wins for Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana
The Best Supporting Actor award went to Kieran Culkin for his role in A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldana clinched Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez, adding another milestone to her illustrious career.
International and Animated Standouts
Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature, celebrating the country’s vibrant storytelling. Meanwhile, the Latvian animated feature Flow charmed the Academy and won Best Animated Feature, beating out Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot.
Screenplay, Music, and Technical Awards
Peter Straughan’s adaptation of Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay, while Anora added another accolade to its tally with a win for Best Original Screenplay. The emotionally charged song El Mal from Emilia Pérez triumphed in the Best Original Song category.
The technical categories saw Dune: Part Two earning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, while Wicked dominated Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. The Brutalist stood out for Best Cinematography, and The Substance took home the Best Makeup and Hairstyling award.
Documentary and Short Film Highlights
The powerful documentary No Other Land won Best Documentary Feature, shedding light on pressing global issues. I’m Not a Robot won Best Live-Action Short, and In the Shadow of the Cypress took home Best Animated Short. Meanwhile, The Only Girl in the Orchestra won Best Documentary Short, adding a unique and inspiring story to the mix.
A Night to Remember
With a mix of first-time winners and seasoned veterans, the 97th Academy Awards showcased the evolving landscape of cinema. Anora’s sweeping victory, Adrien Brody’s triumphant return, and groundbreaking wins in international and animated categories made this year’s Oscars an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and artistry.
