Oscars 2025 Best Picture: Anora Director Sean Baker

The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, celebrated Oscars outstanding achievements in cinema, with independent film “Anora” emerging as the night’s biggest winner. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the winners, snubs, and surprises from the ceremony:

Major Winners:

• Best Picture: “Anora,” a drama about a New York sex worker’s transformative marriage, clinched the top honor, surpassing strong contenders like “The Brutalist” and “Wicked.”
• Best Director: Sean Baker was awarded Best Director for “Anora,” marking a significant achievement for independent cinema.
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison received the Best Actress award for her role in “Anora,” delivering a performance that captivated audiences and critics alike.
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody’s portrayal in “The Brutalist” earned him the Best Actor accolade, adding to his illustrious career.
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña was honored as Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a film that led with 13 nominations.
• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “A Real Pain,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Notable Snubs:

• Despite its 13 nominations, “Emilia Pérez” did not secure the Best Picture award, with “Anora” taking the honor.
• Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Denzel Washington were among the notable actors who did not receive nominations, surprising many industry observers.

Surprises:

• The Israeli-Palestinian documentary “No Other Land” won Best Documentary Feature, highlighting its impactful storytelling.
• The Latvian film “Flow” secured Best Animated Feature, bringing attention to Eastern European animation.
• “I’m Still Here,” a Brazilian film, was named Best International Feature, showcasing the global diversity of cinema.

Ceremony Highlights:

• The event opened with a dynamic performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, setting an energetic tone for the evening.
• Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.
• A heartfelt tribute was paid to Los Angeles firefighters, acknowledging their bravery and service.

The 2025 Oscars highlighted the evolving landscape of cinema, with independent films and diverse stories receiving well-deserved recognition.