2025 Oscars Recap: Indie Triumphs, Historic Wins, and Unforgettable Moments

The 97th Academy Awards unfolded on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the cinematic achievements of 2024. The evening was marked by indie film victories, groundbreaking milestones, and a blend of memorable and controversial moments. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the night’s highlights.

 Major Winners of the Night

Best Picture: Anora

Defying expectations, the indie film Anora emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture. Directed by Sean Baker, the film’s modest $6 million budget makes it the lowest-budget Best Picture winner in Oscar history.  

Best Director: Sean Baker – Anora

Best Actor: Adrien Brody – The Brutalist

Best Actress: Mikey Madison – Anora

At just 25, Mikey Madison became the youngest Best Actress winner since Brie Larson in 2016, thanks to her powerful portrayal in Anora.  

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain

Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, taking home Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. She dedicated the award to her mother in an emotional speech.

Best Documentary Feature Film: No Other Land

Best Documentary Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Best International Feature Film: Brazil – I’m Still Here

Best Hair and Make Up: The Substance

Best Animated Feature Film: Flow

Flow not only won Best Animated Feature but also received a nomination for Best International Film, marking an unprecedented dual recognition for an animated film and Latvia’s first Academy Award.

Best Animated Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress

Directed by Iranian filmmakers Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi. This marks the first time an Iranian film has won in this category.

Best Cinematography: Lol Crawley – The Brutalist

Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell – Wicked

Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. His work on Wicked also made him the first Black costume designer to win both an Oscar and a Tony.

Best Music (Original Score): The Brutalist

Best Music (Original Song): El Mal– Emilia Pérez

Best Production Design: Wicked

Best Live Action Short Film: I’m Not a Robot

Best Sound: Dune: Part Two

Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Conclave

Best Writing (Original Screenplay): Anora

Memorable Speeches & Moments

• Anora Dominates the Night: The independent film Anora emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. This marked a significant achievement for Baker, matching a 70-year-old record held by Walt Disney for the most Oscars won by one person in a single year.
• Adrien Brody’s Extended Speech: Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist. His acceptance speech garnered attention for its length, as he continued speaking despite multiple cues from the orchestra to conclude.
• Kieran Culkin’s Acceptance: Culkin’s speech for Best Supporting Actor was noted for its awkwardness, and was partially censored during the live broadcast, leaving viewers curious about his unfiltered remarks.
• Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Win: Saldaña’s heartfelt dedication to her mother highlighted her cultural pride and personal journey.
• Political Statements in Acceptance Speeches: The filmmakers of No Other Land, during their acceptance speech for Best Documentary Feature, made direct political statements, sparking discussions among attendees and viewers about the role of politics in entertainment.
• Honoring Firefighters Amidst California Wildfires: In light of the recent California wildfires, the ceremony included tributes to firefighters, acknowledging their bravery and dedication. Firefighters were honored and participated in the show with jokes, adding a lighthearted touch to the serious acknowledgment.

Performances & Tributes

• Musical Numbers: The ceremony featured a “Wizard of Oz” medley performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, culminating in “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
• James Bond Tribute: A tribute to James Bond included performances by Margaret Qualley, Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye, though it was criticized for its disjointed execution.
• In Memoriam: Morgan Freeman delivered a poignant tribute to the late Gene Hackman during the “In Memoriam” segment.

Snubs & Surprises

• Emilia Pérez’s Limited Wins: Despite leading with 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez secured only two awards, missing out on major categories.
• Wicked’s Underperformance: The anticipated film adaptation of Wicked garnered only two awards, for Best Costume Design and Production Design, falling short of expectations.
• Technical Glitches: Hulu’s inaugural live stream of the Oscars experienced technical issues, frustrating viewers and highlighting challenges in streaming live events.

 Final Thoughts: A Night of Indie Triumphs and Historic Achievements

The 2025 Oscars celebrated the rise of independent cinema, with Anora leading the charge. The ceremony balanced heartfelt speeches and historic wins with technical hiccups and mixed reviews of performances. As the film industry continues to evolve, this year’s Academy Awards highlighted both the challenges and the triumphs that come with change.

What were your thoughts on this year’s Oscars? Did any wins or snubs surprise you?