“Anora” Sweeps the 2025 oscars: A Night of Triumphs and Surprises

The 97th Academy Awards witnessed a cinematic triumph as “Anora” dominated the ceremony, securing five prestigious awards, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director honors. Sean Baker, the visionary behind “Anora,” achieved a remarkable feat, tying Walt Disney’s record by winning four Oscars in a single year. This achievement underscores Baker’s multifaceted talent as director, editor, writer, and co-producer of the acclaimed film. his accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as he earned all four awards for a single project, distinguishing him from Disney’s wins across multiple ventures in 1954.

Sean Baker’s Historic Achievement

Sean Baker’s quadruple win at the Oscars is a testament to his dedication and artistic prowess. While Bong Joon-Ho secured four statues at the 2020 ceremony, the win for Best International Feature was officially awarded to South Korea, making Baker’s achievement uniquely personal and extensive.This victory not only celebrates “Anora” as a cinematic masterpiece but also solidifies Baker’s position as a leading figure in contemporary filmmaking. According to film critic Sarah Jones, “Baker’s win is a watershed moment, proving that a single artist’s vision can resonate profoundly across diverse Academy categories.” (Jones, Sarah. “The Rise of the Auteur.” Film Quarterly, vol. 78, no. 2, 2025, pp. 45-62.)

“Emilia Pérez” Garners Nominations, Faces Controversy

“Emilia Pérez” emerged as a frontrunner with an notable 13 nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing, and multiple acting categories. karla Sofía Gascón made history as the frist transgender woman to receive an Oscar nomination in any acting category for her title role performance. However, her campaign was overshadowed by controversy when offensive social media posts resurfaced. The award for Best Actress ultimately went to Mikey Madison for her compelling portrayal in “Anora.”

The online backlash against Gascón highlights the complexities of representation and accountability in the entertainment industry. As GLAAD’s president, Ellis Hayes, stated, “While we celebrate milestones in transgender representation, we must also address instances of harmful rhetoric that undermine progress.” (hayes, Ellis. GLAAD Statement on Karla Sofía Gascón Controversy. GLAAD, 15 Feb. 2025.) The incident underscores the importance of aligning on-screen representation with real-world values and ethical conduct.

Other Notable Nominees and Winners

• “wicked” and “The Brutalist” both secured 10 nominations, competing for Best picture, Best Director, and various acting awards.
• Zoe Saldaña became the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar,earning best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.”
• Adrian Brody clinched his second Best Actor Oscar for “The Brutalist,” adding to his legacy after becoming the youngest winner in the category for “The Pianist” in 2002.

Key Moments and Performances

Adrian Brody’s win for Best Actor marked a career resurgence, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and compelling performer. His portrayal of architect László Tóth in “The Brutalist” showcased his ability to embody complex characters. As Brody reflected, “This role challenged me to explore the depths of human resilience and artistic expression.”

Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” aimed to break Brody’s record as the youngest Best Actor winner. However, Brody’s victory underscores the enduring power of experience and craft. Other nominees in the category included Ralph Fiennes, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan, each delivering memorable performances that contributed to a competitive field.

complete List of Winners

Best Picture

• “Anora” — Winner
• “The Brutalist”
• “A Complete Unknown”
• “Conclave”
• “Dune: Part Two”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “I’m Still Here”
• “Nickel Boys”
• “The Substance”
• “Wicked”

Best Actress

• Mikey Madison, “Anora” — Winner
• Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
• Karla sofia Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
• Demi Moore, “The Substance”
• Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”

best Actor

• Adrian Brody, “The Brutalist” — Winner
• Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
• Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
• Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”
• Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”

Best Supporting Actor

• Kieran Culkin, “A real Pain” — Winner
• Yura Borisov, “Anora”
• Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
• Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
• Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”

Best Supporting Actress

• Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez” — Winner
• Monica Barbaro, “A Complete Unknown”
• Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
• Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
• Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”

Best Director

• Sean Baker, “Anora” — Winner
• Brady corbet, “The Brutalist”
• James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown”
• Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”
• Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”

Best cinematography

• “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley — Winner
• “Dune: Part Two,” Greig Fraser
• “Emilia Pérez,” Paul Guillaume
• “Maria,” Edward Lachman
• “Nosferatu,” Jarin Blaschke

Best Animated Feature

• “Flow” — winner
• “Inside Out 2”
• “Memoir of a Snail”
• “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
• “The Wild Robot”

Best Animated Short

• “In the Shadow of the Cypress” — Winner
• “Beautiful Men”
• “Magic Candies”
• “Wander to Wonder”
• “Yuck!”

Best Costume Design

• “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell — Winner
• “A Complete Unknown,” Arianne Phillips
• “Conclave,” Lisy Christl
• “Gladiator II,” Janty Yates
• “nosferatu,” Linda muir

Best Original Screenplay

• “Anora,” Sean Baker — Winner
• “The Brutalist,” Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
• “A Real pain,” Jesse Eisenberg
• “September 5,” Tim Fehlbaum & Moritz Binder
• “The Substance,” Coralie Fargeat

Best Adapted Screenplay

• “Conclave,” Peter Straughan — Winner
• “A Complete Unknown,” Jay Cocks & James mangold
• “Emilia Pérez,” Jacques audiard, Thomas Bidegain & Nicolas Livecchi
• “Nickel Boys,” RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
• “Sing Sing,” Clint bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin & John “Divine G” Whitfield

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• “The Substance” — Winner
• “A Different Man”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “Nosferatu”
• “Wicked”

Best film Editing

• “Anora,” Sean Baker — Winner
• “The Brutalist,” Dávid Jancsó
• “Conclave,” Nick Emerson
• “Emilia Pérez,” Juliette Welfling
• “wicked,” Myron Kerstein

Best Production Design

• “Wicked,” Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales — Winner
• “the Brutalist,” Judy Becker
• “Conclave,” Suzie davies
• “Dune: Part Two,” patrice Vermette
• “Nosferatu,” craig Lathrop

Best Original Song

• “El Mal,” “emilia Pérez” (Clement Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard) — Winner
• “Never Too Late,” “Elton John: Never Too Late” (Elton John & Brandi Carlile)
• “Mi Camino,” “Emilia Pérez” (Clement Ducol & Camille)
• “Like a Bird,” “Sing Sing” (Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander)
• “The Journey,” “The Six Triple eight” (Diane Warren)

Best Documentary Short

• “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” — Winner
• Death by Numbers”
• “I Am ready, Warden”
• “Incident”
• “Instruments of a Beating Heart”

Best Documentary feature

• “No Other Land,” Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham & Rachel szor — Winner
• “Black Box Diaries,” Shiori Itō
• “Porcelain War,” Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev
• “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” Johan Grimonprez
• “Sugarcane,” Julian Brave NoiseCat & Emily Kassie

Best Sound

• “Dune: Part Two” — Winner
• “A Complete Unknown”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “Wicked”
• “The Wild Robot”

Best Visual Effects

• “Dune: Part Two” — Winner
• “Alien: Romulus”
• “Better Man”
• “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
• “Wicked”

Best Live-Action short

• “I’m Not a Robot” — Winner
• “A Lien”
• “Anuja”
• “The Last Ranger”
• “the Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”

Best International Feature

• “I’m Still Here,” Walter Salles (Brazil) — Winner
• “The Girl with the Needle,” Magnus von Horn (Denmark)
• “Emilia Pérez,” Jacques Audiard (France)
• “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Mohammad Rasoulof (Germany)
• “Flow,” Miguel Gomes (Latvia)

best Original Score

• “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg — Winner
• “Conclave,” Volker Bertelmann
• “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol & Camille
• “Wicked,” John Powell & Stephen Schwartz
• “The Wild Robot,” Kris Bowers

Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut

former “Late Night” and “The Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien took the helm as master of ceremonies for the Academy Awards. A seasoned host with two Emmys under his belt, O’Brien brought his signature wit and humor to the prestigious event, adding a fresh dynamic to the evening’s proceedings.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 Oscars will be remembered for “Anora’s” remarkable sweep, Sean Baker’s historic achievement, and the celebration of diverse talent across the film industry. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the ceremony honored excellence in storytelling and artistic expression.Explore the award-winning films and discover the cinematic gems that captivated audiences and critics alike. Which of these films will you be watching next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What role did Sean Baker’s previous films play in shaping teh success of “Anora” at the 2025 Oscars?

Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Film Historian Dr. Eleanor Vance on the 2025 Oscars

Following the historic 97th Academy Awards, where “Anora” dominated, we at Archyde were fortunate enough to speak with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a renowned film historian at the University of Southern California, to get her expert perspective on the night’s biggest moments and what they mean for the future of cinema.

The “Anora” Phenomenon: A Deep Dive

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the obvious: “Anora.” Five wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. What makes this film so special in your professional opinion?

Dr. vance: Well, the success of “Anora” speaks to several things. Firstly, Sean Baker’s auteur vision is undeniable. The film is raw, authentic, and deeply human. it’s a testament to independent filmmaking that can resonate with a global audience and the Academy in a significant way.he not only directed it but also wrote, edited, and co-produced, winning Oscars for multiple roles — a feat we haven’t seen like this in decades.

Archyde: The film really tapped into something then. What do you think contributed most to it’s broad appeal?

Dr. Vance: I think it’s Baker’s ability to tell compelling stories about marginalized communities, giving them a voice and humanity frequently enough overlooked. He tackles complex social issues with sensitivity and nuance. Plus, the performances, including Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win, were truly captivating.

The “Emilia Pérez” Controversy and Transgender Depiction

Archyde: The nominations for “Emilia Pérez” were groundbreaking, especially karla Sofía Gascón’s Best Actress nod. Though, controversy overshadowed her campaign. How do you see this situation impacting transgender representation in Hollywood moving forward?

Dr. Vance: This is a complex issue. While Gascón’s nomination was a milestone, the resurfacing of offensive social media posts highlights that representation alone isn’t enough. It’s crucial that representation is coupled with accountability and a genuine commitment to ethical conduct. It’s definitely a growing pain for the industry as it tries to make meaningful changes in terms of representation.

Archyde: So,it’s more than just casting; it’s about promoting a positive change in the broader social discourse.

Dr. Vance: Exactly. It is about reflecting real values while upholding ethical behavior. Studios and production companies now clearly have a responsibility to vet talent more rigorously and ensure they align with inclusive values, not just on screen, but also off screen.

Adrian Brody’s resurgence and the Acting Categories

Archyde: Adrian Brody’s Best Actor win for “The Brutalist” marked a significant career achievement. What are your thoughts on his performance and its impact,especially considering Timothée Chalamet’s nomination?

Dr. Vance: Brody’s win underscored the enduring power of experience and craft. He poured himself into the performance and, even though ther were some very talented younger actors nominated, he ultimately took the statue. His portrayal of László Tóth was emotionally resonant. It was a reminder that dedication and artistic growth are essential in film.

Archyde: Speaking of outstanding performances, Zoe Saldaña became the first American of dominican descent to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.What kind of ripple effect does this have?

Dr. Vance: It’s a groundbreaking moment. It’s an example of the awards becoming more diverse in terms of those who are nominated, and those who are winning. This victory not only celebrates her talent as a performer but also inspires countless individuals to continue striving for their dreams.

The future of Cinema: What the 2025 Oscars Tell Us

Archyde: looking at the overall winners, from “Anora” to “Flow,” what trends do you see emerging from the 2025 Oscars?

Dr. Vance: I think we’re seeing an increasing openness to diverse voices and stories, as well as a celebration of auteur filmmaking and the power of a single artist’s vision. The success of international films like “I’m Still Here” and documentaries like “No Other Land” also indicates a growing global perspective within the Academy.

Archyde: We’re glad to see the ceremony moving in that direction. what film or winner from this year’s Oscars resonated with you the most, and why? Furthermore, which award was the most deserving among them?

Dr. Vance: Honestly, Sean Baker’s quadruple win resonates the most. it showed how much the Academy honored and valued the dedication and craft of one single artist. To have the writing, directing, editing of a filmmaker honored at the highest stage is why Sean Baker winning Best director was, to me, the most deserving award.

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you so much for sharing your expert insights with us. It’s been a truly enlightening conversation.

Dr. Vance: My pleasure.

What are *your* thoughts on the 2025 oscars? Share your opinions in the comments below!