The 97th Academy Awards have wrapped up, and what a night it was! Hosted by the ever entertaining Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony was filled with surprises, heartfelt speeches, and memorable moments.
‘Anora’ steals the spotlight
The indie gem ‘Anora’ emerged as the night’s biggest winner, bagging five Oscars, including Best Picture. Director Sean Baker not only took home the Best Director award but also clinched Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. Mikey Madison’s portrayal in ‘Anora’ earned her the Best Actress accolade, marking a significant milestone in her career.
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Adrien Brody’s triumphant return
Adrien Brody made a remarkable comeback by winning Best Actor for his role in ‘The Brutalist.’ This win adds a second Oscar to his illustrious career, reaffirming his position as one of Hollywood’s finest talents.
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Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin shine in supporting roles
Zoe Saldana’s performance in ‘Emilia Perez’ earned her the Best Supporting Actress award, while Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for ‘A Real Pain.’ Both actors delivered standout performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
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Historic win for Paul Tazewell
In a groundbreaking moment, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work in ‘Wicked.’ This historic achievement highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the film industry.
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‘Flow’ and ‘I’m Still Here’ take top honors in animation and international categories
The Latvian animated film ‘Flow’ won Best Animated Feature, showcasing the global talent in animation. Brazil’s ‘I’m Still Here’ secured the Best International Feature award, reflecting the Academy’s recognition of diverse storytelling from around the world.
Complete list of winners
Here’s a comprehensive list of the night’s winners:
| Category | Winner |
| Best Picture | Anora |
| Best Director | Sean Baker, Anora |
| Best Actress | Mikey Madison, Anora |
| Best Actor | Adrien Brody, The Brutalist |
| Best Supporting Actress | Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez |
| Best Supporting Actor | Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain |
| Best Original Screenplay | Sean Baker, Anora |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Peter Straughan, Conclave |
| Best Cinematography | The Brutalist |
| Best Original Score | Daniel Blumberg, The Brutalist |
| Best Original Song | El Mal from Emilia Pérez |
| Best Editing | Anora |
| Best Production Design | Wicked |
| Best Costume Design | Wicked |
| Best Makeup and Hairstyling | The Substance |
| Best Sound | Dune Part Two |
| Best Visual Effects | Dune Part Two |
| Best International Feature Film | I’m Still Here (Brazil) |
| Best Animated Feature | Flow |
| Best Animated Short | In the Shadow of the Cypress |
| Best Live-Action Short | I’m Not a Robot |
| Best Documentary Feature | No Other Land |
| Best Documentary Short | The Only Girl in the Orchestra |
Memorable moments and performances
The ceremony wasn’t just about the awards. A heartfelt tribute to the late Quincy Jones left the audience in tears, celebrating his immense contribution to the music and film industry. Additionally, a medley performance by ‘Wicked’ nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo added a touch of Broadway magic to the evening.
Notable snubs and surprises
Every Oscars has its share of surprises, and this year was no different. Despite leading the nominations with 13 nods, ‘Emilia Perez’ did not secure the Best Picture award, though Zoe Saldana’s win provided a silver lining. Demi Moore, who was a favorite for Best Actress for her role in ‘The Substance,’ was edged out by Mikey Madison in a surprising turn of events.
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the best in cinema, with ‘Anora’ leading the pack. The night highlighted the industry’s evolving landscape, with independent films and diverse stories taking center stage. As the curtains close on this year’s Oscars, movie enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the stories that will define the next year in film.
