The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars), hosted by Conan O’Brien, brought Hollywood’s biggest names together for an evening celebrating cinematic excellence.
From surprise wins to emotional speeches, the night was packed with memorable moments.
Below, we break down the full list of winners, major highlights, and what the 2025 Oscars mean for the industry.
Best Picture: A Competitive Race Ends in Victory
This year’s Best Picture category featured a diverse lineup of films, ranging from large-scale epics to intimate character studies. The nominees included Dune: Part Two, Wicked, Emilia Pérez, A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Nickel Boys, Conclave, I’m Still Here, and The Substance.
The award ultimately went to Anora, a film directed by Sean Baker, marking another win for a director known for pushing creative boundaries. The film’s gripping narrative and raw performances made it a standout among the year’s best.
Best Director: Sean Baker Secures Another Major Win
In a category featuring both veteran filmmakers and rising talents, Sean Baker won Best Director for Anora. Baker’s unique storytelling approach and commitment to authentic, character-driven narratives have earned him critical acclaim.
Other nominees included:
- Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
- James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)
- Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
- Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
Baker’s win continues the Academy’s recent trend of rewarding directors who challenge conventional Hollywood storytelling.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody’s Triumphant Return
Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist. This marks a significant career comeback for Brody, who previously won an Oscar for The Pianist in 2003.
Other nominees included:
- Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Brody’s emotionally charged performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, securing him the coveted statuette.
Best Actress: A Tight Race Ends in Victory
The Best Actress category was among the most competitive of the night. With powerhouse performances across the board, the award could have gone to any of the nominees. The winner, Mikey Madison (Anora), delivered a performance that captivated audiences.
Other nominees included:
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
- Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Madison’s win cements her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses.
Best Supporting Actor & Actress: Emotional Wins for Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña
Best Supporting Actor
Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) secured the award, adding another milestone to his already successful career. His performance was widely praised for its depth and emotional weight.
Other nominees:
- Yura Borisov (Anora)
- Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)
- Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)
- Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)
Best Supporting Actress
Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) won the Best Supporting Actress award, further solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and talented performers.
Other nominees:
- Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)
- Ariana Grande (Wicked)
- Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)
- Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)
Best Cinematography & Editing: The Brutalist & Anora Shine
Best Cinematography went to Lol Crawley (The Brutalist), recognized for his visually stunning work that enhanced the film’s gritty storytelling.
Nominees included:
- Dune: Part Two (Greig Fraser)
- Emilia Pérez (Paul Guilhaume)
- Maria (Ed Lachman)
- Nosferatu (Jarin Blaschke)
Meanwhile, Best Film Editing went to Sean Baker for Anora, making it a big night for the film and its director.
Best Original & Adapted Screenplay: A Victory for Storytelling
Best Original Screenplay was awarded to Sean Baker (Anora), while Best Adapted Screenplay went to Peter Straughan (Conclave). Both wins were well-deserved, showcasing masterful storytelling that captivated audiences.
Best Animated Feature: A Victory for Flow
The award for Best Animated Feature went to Flow, beating out heavyweights like Inside Out 2 and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Other nominees included:
- Memoir of a Snail
- The Wild Robot
Best Animated Short was awarded to In the Shadow of the Cypress, which stood out for its creative animation style.
Best International Feature & Documentary
Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature, while Best Documentary Feature went to No Other Land. These wins highlight the Academy’s continued recognition of global and socially relevant storytelling.
Technical & Design Categories: Dune: Part Two & Wicked Dominate
Dune: Part Two secured Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, cementing its status as a technical masterpiece. Wicked, on the other hand, took home Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, showcasing the magic behind its visuals.
Biggest Moments of the Night
- Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Brilliance – The comedian kept the show lively with his sharp humor and quick wit.
- Morgan Freeman’s Tribute to Gene Hackman – A heartfelt moment honoring the late acting legend.
- Standing Ovation for L.A. Firefighters – The audience applauded first responders in an emotional moment.
What This Year’s Oscars Mean for Hollywood
The 2025 Oscars showcased a mix of veteran and rising talent amongst the winners, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to artistic excellence. With wins for indie films like Anora and The Brutalist, along with major victories for Wicked and Dune: Part Two, the night reflected the evolving landscape of Hollywood.
As the dust settles, these winners of the 2025 Oscars will go down in history, shaping the trajectory of film for years to come.
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