Oscars 2025: 'Anora' takes best picture, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison win top acting honors

Hollywood’s biggest night, the 97th Academy Awards, took center stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the finest achievements in film. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Conan O’Brien, the night was filled with historic wins, emotional speeches, and stunning red carpet moments.

Biggest Winners of the Night

Leading the pack, Anora emerged as the night’s biggest triumph, clinching four major awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The film’s star, Mikey Madison, also took home the Oscar for Best Actress, solidifying Anora’s dominance at the ceremony.

Adrien Brody delivered a compelling performance in The Brutalist, earning him the Best Actor award. In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) walked away with the golden statuettes.

A Historic Win for Costume Design

Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his outstanding work on Wicked. His achievement marked a significant milestone in the industry’s ongoing efforts toward greater representation and recognition.

Full List of Major Winners:

Best Picture: Anora

Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)

Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)

Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)

Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)

Best International Film: I'm Still Here

Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land

Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora)

Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)

Best Original Score: Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist)

Best Original Song: “El Mal” (Emilia Pérez)

Best Animated Film: Flow

Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

Best Costume Design: Wicked (Paul Tazewell)

Best Cinematography: The Brutalist (Lol Crawley)

Best Film Editing: Anora (Sean Baker)

Best Production Design: Wicked

Conan O’Brien’s Sharp-Witted Hosting

Host Conan O’Brien infused humor into the ceremony, with his sharp-witted commentary making headlines. One of his standout moments came when he quipped about Anora’s storyline, joking, “I guess Americans are glad to finally see someone stand up to a powerful Russian.”

Elon Musk Stirs Controversy

Adding a dose of controversy, tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized the Academy’s diversity and inclusion standards, stating that awards should be based purely on merit. His comments on social media sparked heated debates about the balance between representation and artistic excellence.

Final Takeaway

With Anora securing the top honor and other films like The Brutalist, Wicked, and Dune: Part Two making their mark, the 2025 Oscars celebrated a mix of artistic brilliance, historic milestones, and spirited discussions. As the film industry continues to evolve, this year’s Academy Awards set the stage for future conversations about cinema’s role in storytelling and inclusivity.