The 97th Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, concluded with record-breaking victories and emotional highlights, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
With the theme “Community and Spirit,” this year’s Oscars paid tribute to the 29 lives lost and thousands of homes destroyed in the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The event not only celebrated outstanding achievements in filmmaking but also honored those who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling.
A Night of Glamour and Excellence
Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the star-studded event commenced at 10 PM (WAT) with an extravagant red carpet spectacle. The main ceremony, which ran from 1 AM to 4 AM (WAT) on March 3, 2025, opened with a breathtaking performance of Defy Gravity by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Major Award Winners
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best International Feature: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
- Best Original Screenplay: Anora – Sean Baker
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave – Peter Straughan
- Best Original Score: The Brutalist
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Oscars witnessed groundbreaking moments, from unexpected wins to emotionally charged speeches that left audiences moved. Anora emerged as a dominant force, clinching multiple accolades, while Wicked and Dune: Part Two secured key technical awards.
This year’s Academy Awards reaffirmed Hollywood’s commitment to diversity, creativity, and resilience, ensuring that these achievements will be remembered in the years to come.