The 97th Academy Awards ceremony unfolded as a night of surprises and well-deserved victories, celebrating the diverse landscape of filmmaking. While some anticipated front-runners secured their wins, several unexpected triumphs and poignant moments marked the evening.
Anora’s Unexpected Sweep
Sean Baker’s Anora emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing three of the most coveted awards: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. This poignant drama, exploring themes of poverty and resilience, resonated with audiences and critics alike, proving that independent films can still capture the hearts of Academy voters.
The Brutalist’s Artistic Vision
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, a visually stunning and emotionally charged film, garnered recognition for its artistic achievements. Adrien Brody delivered a powerful performance that earned him the Best Actor award, while the film’s haunting score by Daniel Blumberg was recognized as Best Original Score. The film’s cinematography, capturing the stark beauty and emotional weight of the story, also received an Oscar.
Conclave’s Triumph in Adapted Screenplay
Peter Straughan’s adaptation of Conclave proved to be a critical success, earning the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.The film’s exploration of faith, power, and human fallibility resonated with voters, showcasing the power of well-crafted storytelling.
Emilia Pérez’s Musical Moment
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez may not have secured a major award, but its vibrant musical number, “El Mal,” was recognized as Best Original Song. The film’s infectious energy and celebration of Latinx culture left a lasting impression.
Dune: Part Two’s Technical Prowess
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two continued the saga’s epic scale and visual grandeur, earning Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. The film’s immersive soundscape and breathtaking visuals transported audiences to the world of Arrakis.
A Night of Diversity and Inclusion
The 97th Academy Awards also celebrated diversity and inclusion in filmmaking. Kieran Culkin’s win for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain highlighted the importance of representation for individuals with disabilities. Zoe Saldaña’s Best Supporting Actress win for Emilia Pérez recognized the contributions of Latinx actors in Hollywood. The Best International Feature Film award went to Brazil’s I’m Still Here, a powerful drama exploring themes of family and identity.
Full list of winners:
Best Picture: Anora
Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
Best International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
Best Animated Feature Film: Flow
Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
Best Original Score: Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist)
Best Original Song: “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez
Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
Best Film Editing: Sean Baker (Anora)
Best Production Design: Wicked
Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell (Wicked)
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
Best Animated Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress
Best Live Action Short Film: I’m Not a Robot
Best Documentary Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
