The 97th Academy Awards held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, was nothing short of a spectacle, filled with a series of surprising wins, notable snubs, and unexpected twists. From Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win to shocking upsets in major categories, this year’s Oscars had it all.
Perhaps the most shocking moment of the night came when Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award for her role in Anora, beating out strong contenders like Demi Moore, who had bagged numerous accolades throughout the awards season, including a Critics Choice, SAG Award, and Golden Globe for her performance in The Substance. Moore was widely considered a frontrunner, but Madison’s performance in the haunting drama earned the Academy’s highest recognition. Her win marks a career milestone for the young actress, who had been a rising star in Hollywood.
The Oscars are often remembered for their iconic musical moments, with past performances like Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s rendition of “Endless Love” in 1982 and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow” from A Star is Born still etched in the public’s memory. However, this year’s Original Song performances left many underwhelmed. None of the nominees reached the emotional heights of past renditions, and as Variety reported, the segment felt lackluster despite featuring some solid tunes. The omission of truly standout performances left many fans longing for the traditional musical spectacle that the Oscars are known for.
In one of the evening’s biggest upsets, Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here took home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The Brazilian film triumphed over heavy favorites like Emilia Perez, a French contender that had earned 13 nominations. The odds were stacked in favor of the French film, but I’m Still Here’s heartfelt storytelling and unique perspective resonated with voters, marking Brazil’s first-ever win in this category. The victory was a testament to the growing diversity and global reach of cinema at the Academy Awards.
For veteran screenwriter Diane Warren, the night ended in familiar disappointment. Despite earning her 16th nomination for Best Original Song for her track “The Journey” from the film Six Triple Eight, Warren lost once again. The song, performed by H.E.R., had been a major contender, but the Academy ultimately awarded the prize elsewhere, adding to Warren’s unfortunate streak of losses. Her repeated snubs have sparked a broader conversation about the Academy’s recognition of long-standing talent in the industry.
Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow pulled off a remarkable win, claiming the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The small Latvian film surpassed major contenders such as The Wild Robot and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, stunning many with its emotionally powerful narrative and distinctive animation style. This win highlights the increasing prominence of international films in categories traditionally dominated by big studios.
In another unexpected moment, filmmaker Sean Baker took home the Best Editing Oscar for his work on Anora. Many expected the award to go to Conclave’s editing team, but Baker, who also wrote and directed the film, earned recognition for his intricate work behind the scenes. This win adds to Baker’s growing list of accolades, cementing his place as one of the most versatile creators in Hollywood today.
The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, a solemn moment honoring those who passed away over the previous year, sparked controversy after the omission of several notable figures. Among those left out were Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg, film icons Tony Todd, Shannen Doherty, and Olivia Hussey, whose contributions to the entertainment world were overlooked during the tribute.
The night also saw Emilia Perez tie for the dubious honor of the biggest Oscar loser of all time. With a staggering 14 nominations across various categories, the film failed to win in any, matching the record for most nominations without a victory, previously set by films like The Color Purple and The Turning Point. Its failure to capture a single award was one of the night’s most talked-about disappointments.
In another surprising win, No Other Land, a documentary without U.S. distribution, took home the Best Documentary Oscar. The film had gained momentum through screenings and screeners, but the lack of a major domestic release made its win all the more unexpected. Its success highlighted the increasing importance of alternative distribution methods in the modern film industry. The 2025 Academy Awards were truly filled with surprises, snubs, and moments that will be remembered for years to come. From breakthrough performances to unexpected upsets, this year’s ceremony once again proved that anything can happen at the Oscars.
Sean Baker Shines at the 2025 Oscars, Winning Best Director and Best Picture for ‘Anora’
The 2025 Academy Awards witnessed a night of surprises, snubs, and inspiring moments, but one of the evening’s brightest stars was Sean Baker, who took home multiple prestigious awards, including Best Director for his film Anora. The victory marked a significant milestone in his career, but it was his impassioned acceptance speech that captured the attention of many and became one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Anora’s success at the Oscars was no small feat. The film, which was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, emerged as one of the evening’s most significant winners. Baker, who is a self-proclaimed “indie film lifer,” triumphed over a competitive pool of directors, including Jacques Audiard, Brady Corbet, Coralie Fargeat, and James Mangold. His win also marked a triumph for independent cinema, as Anora is a quintessential example of how innovative storytelling can capture the public’s imagination and critical acclaim.
Baker’s acceptance speech was about more than just his own achievement. The filmmaker used his platform to issue a heartfelt plea to protect the future of movie theaters. Addressing the audience, he began, “We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies. Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater.”
Baker’s words struck a chord with many, as he pointed out the special communal experience that movie theaters offer, one that cannot be replicated at home. “Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, and, in a time when the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever,” he said.
However, Baker’s optimism was tempered by a warning. He cautioned that the theater-going experience is in jeopardy, especially with the rise of streaming services and the economic struggles of independent theaters. “Movie theaters, especially independently owned theaters, are struggling,” Baker remarked. He reminded the audience that during the pandemic, over 1,000 screens were lost in the U.S. alone, and many more continue to close on a regular basis.
“If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture,” he said, urging both filmmakers and distributors to continue supporting theatrical releases. Baker, who had the full backing of distributor Neon for Anora’s theatrical release, thanked them during his speech. He also made an impassioned plea to parents, urging them to introduce their children to cinema in theaters. “Parents, introduce your children to feature films in movie theaters, and you’ll be molding the next generation of movie lovers and filmmakers,” he stated.
Baker’s call to action was not only a heartfelt message for moviegoers and filmmakers but also a reminder of the role movie theaters play in the cultural fabric of society. His words resonated with many in the audience, including industry veterans, directors, and actors who have long advocated for the preservation of traditional cinema experiences.
In addition to his Best Director win, Anora was also awarded Best Film Editing, making it one of the evening’s top films. The success of Anora at the Oscars marked the culmination of a remarkable awards campaign. The film had already made waves at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or, and it continued to gain recognition at various critics’ awards and guild ceremonies.
Baker’s win at the Directors Guild of America Awards in February was another key moment in the film’s journey to the Oscars.
Baker, who also served as the editor for Anora, expressed deep gratitude for his team and collaborators, including his wife, Samantha Quan, who served as a producer on the film. The win was not only a victory for Baker but also for independent cinema, proving that with passion, dedication, and the support of a strong team, innovative and bold filmmaking can thrive in the competitive world of Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Baker has been a vocal advocate for independent films and the art of storytelling. His body of work, which includes films like The Florida Project and Tangerine, has earned him critical acclaim for his ability to capture authentic human experiences and tell stories that might otherwise go untold.
As the night came to a close, Baker’s victory was a moment that many in the industry will remember for years to come. His win not only highlighted the power of indie filmmaking but also reminded everyone of the importance of protecting the future of movie theaters, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of cinema on the big screen.
With Anora’s Oscar success, Sean Baker’s place in the pantheon of contemporary filmmakers has been firmly cemented, and his advocacy for the preservation of movie theaters ensures that his legacy will extend beyond his films to the very culture that sustains them. As the Academy celebrated Baker’s achievements, his passionate plea for the future of cinema reminded everyone of the power of film to bring people together and create shared experiences that will endure for generations to come.
