The Oscars 2025 concluded a tumultuous awards season, with the film Anora emerging as the standout winner. The ceremony, which extended even longer than The Brutalist—and notably without an intermission—was filled with tributes to Los Angeles, homages to James Bond, and nods to Quincy Jones. First-time host Conan O’Brien earned widespread acclaim for his clever, timely humor that underscored the event’s focus on the art of filmmaking, even as celebrity appearances remained prominent.
A Season of Unpredictability
This year’s awards season was anything but conventional. With notable shutouts at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, many questioned Anora’s dominance. However, the film made a resounding comeback, aligning with predictions from the Yahoo Best Picture Leaderboard. Sean Baker, the film’s writer, director, editor, and producer, broke records by winning four trophies in one night—tying Walt Disney’s achievement—and became the first filmmaker to secure four awards for a single film. In an unexpected twist, lead actress Mikey Madison clinched Best Actress, boosting Anora’s total wins to five.
Campaigns and Controversies
Despite Emilia Peréz receiving the most nominations (thirteen in total), it managed only two wins—Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for “El Mal.” The film’s controversial elements, including resurfaced posts from star Karla Sofía Gascón, may have contributed to its underperformance. Additionally, it lost the Best International Film category to I’m Still Here. Meanwhile, the Best Actor race saw diverging campaign strategies: Timothée Chalamet embraced a whimsical, ambitious approach, while Adrien Brody opted for heartfelt speeches and evocative photoshoots. Ultimately, Brody secured the award.
Notable Moments Beyond the Trophies
Several highlights of the evening extended beyond the award winners. Conan O’Brien, although not a recipient of a trophy, captivated audiences with his sharp wit—joking about everything from publicists to pop culture figures. Timothée Chalamet, often on the receiving end of good-natured ribbing, displayed remarkable poise, earning respect even without winning Best Actor.
Humor also played a role when an unexpected appearance by a person in a sandworm costume stole the spotlight—an amusing nod to Dune: Part Two’s wins in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Honoring the Heart of Filmmaking
The ceremony paid tribute to the enduring spirit of filmmaking, particularly honoring Los Angeles in the aftermath of devastating wildfires. Craft awards, often overshadowed by celebrity moments, were given their due, with independent projects like Anora, The Brutalist, and No Other Land celebrated for their artistic vision.
Performances added an emotional depth to the evening, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivering a medley that included “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. A montage featuring clips from iconic films, including The Wizard of Oz, set a nostalgic tone, reminding viewers of Hollywood’s timeless magic.
A Nod to Industry Shifts
The event also featured subtle jabs at the growing influence of tech companies and streaming services in entertainment. Sean Baker’s acceptance speech echoed these sentiments—a reminder of his earlier triumph at the Cannes Film Festival—and a tribute to James Bond that involved memorable performances by Margaret Qualley, Lisa, and Doja Cat. This segment was interpreted by some as a call for greater respect towards the traditional cinematic experience amid changing industry dynamics.
A Tribute to Legacy
In a touching moment during the in memoriam segment, Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt speech honoring his friend Gene Hackman—a two-time Oscar winner who passed away recently. Freeman’s words underscored a legacy defined not by accolades alone but by a commitment to meaningful, high-quality work.
