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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Adrien Brody, winner of the Best Actor in a Leading Role for ... [+] “The Brutalist”, Mikey Madison, winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Anora”, Zoe Saldaña, winner of the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Emilia Pérez”, and Kieran Culkin, winner of the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “A Real Pain”, pose in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, was a dazzling display of cinema's evolving landscape—where risk-taking, technological advancements and a commitment to diversity took center stage. From groundbreaking storytelling techniques to the integration of artificial intelligence and the recognition of underrepresented voices, this year's Oscars underscored the power of film to push boundaries and spark meaningful conversations.
Anora: The Triumph of Independent Cinema
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Cast and crew including Darya Ekamasova, Lindsey Normington, Vache ... [+] Tovmasyan, Karren Karagulian, Alex Coco, Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Samantha Quan, Luna Sofía Miranda, Sean Baker, Drew Daniels and Yura Borisov accept the Best Picture award for "Anora" onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Leading the evening was Anora, an independent film that defied expectations and dominated the awards, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Directed by Sean Baker, Anora tells the gripping story of a Brooklyn lap dancer's fleeting escape from poverty, blending contemporary American life with humor and raw emotion. Baker's signature vérité style and commitment to authentic representation resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Baker made history by winning four Oscars in a single night—Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Picture—tying Walt Disney's record for the most Academy Awards won in one evening. In his acceptance speech, Baker emphasized the importance of theatrical cinema, urging filmmakers to continue creating for the big screen despite the dominance of streaming services in a post-COVID world.
The Brutalist and the AI Debate in Filmmaking
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Adrien Brody, winner of Best Actor in a Leading Role for ... [+] “The Brutalist,” and Elliot Brody attend the 97th Annual Oscars Governors Ball at Ovation Hollywood Complex on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
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