The 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema. The evening was marked by notable wins, powerful speeches, and a reflection of Hollywood’s evolving landscape. The Dolby Theatre, located in the heart of Hollywood, has been the permanent home of the Oscars since 2002, offering an opulent setting that enhances the grandeur of the ceremony.
Highlights from the 2025 Oscars:
- Best Picture: Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing the Best Picture award along with four other Oscars.
- Best Director: Sean Baker won Best Director for Anora, further cementing the film’s success.
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody was awarded Best Actor for his remarkable performance in The Brutalist.
- Best Actress: In a surprise win, Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award for her role in Anora, surpassing veteran nominee Demi Moore.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, delivering an emotional speech about her Dominican heritage.
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin secured his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain.
India’s Legacy at the Oscars:
India’s journey at the Academy Awards has been filled with landmark moments:
- Satyajit Ray received an Honorary Oscar in 1992 for his unparalleled contributions to cinema.
- Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian Oscar winner in 1983 for Best Costume Design (Gandhi).
- A.R. Rahman, Gulzar, and Resul Pookutty made history in 2009 with Slumdog Millionaire.
- M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose won Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu (RRR, 2023).
- Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga won Best Documentary Short for The Elephant Whisperers (2023).
Notable Indian Nominations:
- Mother India (1957): India’s first-ever nomination for Best International Feature Film, it famously lost by just one vote to Nights of Cabiria.
- Salaam Bombay! (1988): A powerful film on Mumbai’s street children, directed by Mira Nair. Oscar Nomination: Best International Feature Film (1989).
- Lagaan (2001): Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic about cricket and colonial resistance became India’s third nominee.
The Story Behind Anora
Anora, directed by Sean Baker, follows the life of a New York City stripper who unexpectedly marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. The film explores themes of class struggle, love, and survival in a rapidly changing world. With stunning cinematography and gripping performances, Anora resonated with audiences and critics alike. Interestingly, it was made on a modest budget compared to other Best Picture contenders but triumphed with its raw storytelling and emotional depth.
Historic Wins and Controversies
Emilia Pérez and Karla Sofía Gascón’s Controversial Nomination
- Emilia Pérez is a musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard.
- The film tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to become a woman and escape their violent past.
- Karla Sofía Gascón, a Spanish transgender actress, made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
- The film faced backlash over its portrayal of transgender identity and Mexican culture. Many argued that it misrepresented Mexican cartel violence.
- Gascón’s past social media posts also led to controversy, prompting her to skip the red carpet at the Oscars.
Despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez won Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. However, Gascón lost the Best Actress award to Mikey Madison (Anora).
Reagan Biopic Disqualified Over DEI Rules
- Reagan is a biographical drama about former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid.
- The Academy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rules require a film to meet at least two out of four diversity criteria for Best Picture eligibility.
- Reagan failed to meet these requirements, as its cast and production team were predominantly white and male.
- The disqualification led to political controversy, with critics arguing that artistic merit was being overshadowed by diversity mandates.
- Despite being barred from the Oscars, the film found success in other award circuits, including the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies).
The 2025 Oscars were shaped by debates over representation, political influence in Hollywood, and the evolving standards of the Academy. These events highlighted the growing tension between artistic freedom and the push for greater diversity in the entertainment industry.
Past Controversies:
- 2017: La La Land was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of the actual winner, Moonlight, due to an envelope error.
- 2022: Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the live broadcast, overshadowing the night’s achievements.
The Prestige of the Oscars
- Established in 1929, the Academy Awards are the oldest and most prestigious entertainment awards worldwide.
- First Ceremony: Held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
- Broadcast Evolution: First aired on radio in 1930 and on television in 1953. Since 1969, the ceremony has been broadcast internationally.
- Global Influence: The Oscars set a benchmark for cinematic excellence, influencing other major awards like the Emmys and Grammys.
Memorable Moments:
- Red Carpet Highlights: The event showcased glamorous appearances by stars like Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Halle Berry, and Ariana Grande, adding sparkle to the evening.
- Musical Performances: The ceremony featured captivating performances by artists such as Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Doja Cat, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, enhancing the night’s entertainment.
The 97th Academy Awards not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also highlighted the global nature of filmmaking, with India’s contributions playing a significant role in this year’s narrative.
Countries with the Most Oscar Wins
| Country | Total Wins |
| USA | 1,500+ |
| UK | 400+ |
| France | 200+ |
| Italy | 150+ |
| India | 15+ |
The Ever-Evolving Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards proved once again that the Oscars are more than just an award show—they are a reflection of the changing landscape of cinema. From record-breaking wins to heated controversies, this year’s ceremony had it all. With India continuing to make its mark on the global stage, the future looks bright for Indian cinema at the Oscars.
As we look forward to the 98th Academy Awards, one thing remains clear: the magic of cinema continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
