The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, celebrated the finest films and performances of 2024, with Oscar winners 2025 captivating audiences worldwide. For instance, Sean Baker’s indie masterpiece Anora swept five awards, while Adrien Brody’s powerful performance in The Brutalist marked a triumphant return. Consequently, this article provides a comprehensive list of Oscar winners 2025, explores what made these films and performances exceptional, and offers insights into why they resonated deeply with both audiences and voters.
Why the 2025 Oscars Were Unforgettable
To begin with, the Academy Awards 2025 were a vibrant celebration of bold storytelling, diverse voices, and cinematic innovation. Hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre, the ceremony highlighted films that pushed creative boundaries, from indie gems to big-budget epics. Moreover, Anora’s dominance, Zoe Saldaña’s historic win as the first Dominican American Oscar recipient, and Latvia’s first-ever win for Flow made this year a landmark. Therefore, let’s dive into the Oscar winners 2025 and uncover what set them apart.
Full List of Oscar Winners 2025
Next, here’s the complete rundown of the Oscar winners 2025, showcasing the films and artists who claimed the coveted statuette.
Best Picture: Anora
- Why It Won: For example, Sean Baker’s Anora captivated voters with its raw, heartfelt story of a sex worker’s chaotic romance. As a result, its indie spirit, sharp writing, and Mikey Madison’s breakout performance made it a standout.
- Producers: Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker
Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Why It Won: In addition, Baker’s meticulous direction, blending humor and heartbreak, earned him his first Oscar. Consequently, his four wins tied Walt Disney’s record for most Oscars in one night.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Why It Won: Similarly, Brody’s towering performance as architect László Tóth was a masterclass in intensity, securing his second Oscar 22 years after The Pianist.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Why It Won: Likewise, Madison’s portrayal of Ani, a resilient escort, was both vulnerable and fierce, ultimately outshining competitors like Demi Moore.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Why It Won: Furthermore, Culkin’s nuanced performance as a grieving cousin brought depth to this dramedy, earning his first Oscar.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Why It Won: Notably, Saldaña’s emotional depth and Spanish-language performance made history as the first Dominican American Oscar win.
Other Key Oscar Winners 2025
- Best Original Screenplay: Anora (Sean Baker) – Praised for its authentic dialogue.
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave (Peter Straughan) – A gripping adaptation of the novel.
- Best Animated Feature: Flow – Latvia’s first Oscar for its visually stunning storytelling.
- Best International Feature: I’m Still Here – Brazil’s first Oscar win.
- Best Original Score: The Brutalist (Daniel Blumberg) – A haunting, evocative score.
- Best Original Song: “El Mal” (Emilia Pérez) – A soulful anthem.
- Best Costume Design: Wicked (Paul Tazewell) – Historic win for the first Black man in this category.
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two – Jaw-dropping sci-fi visuals.
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land – A powerful look at the West Bank.
What Made These Oscar Winners 2025 Stand Out?
In fact, the Oscar winners 2025 weren’t just technically impressive—they forged deep emotional connections with audiences. Thus, here’s why these films and performances left a lasting impact:
1. Authentic Storytelling
- To illustrate, Anora’s raw depiction of sex work and love resonated widely, thanks to Baker’s commitment to real voices. As a result, Madison’s performance, grounded in research with sex workers, added authenticity.
- Similarly, The Brutalist explored ambition and trauma through Brody’s layered portrayal, creating a timeless epic.
2. Historic Milestones
- For instance, Zoe Saldaña’s win for Emilia Pérez marked a cultural breakthrough, celebrating Latinx representation.
- Additionally, Flow and I’m Still Here put Latvia and Brazil on the Oscar map, highlighting global cinema’s growing influence.
3. Technical Brilliance
- Moreover, Dune: Part Two’s visual effects and Wicked’s costume design elevated their genres, blending artistry with accessibility.
- Likewise, The Brutalist’s cinematography by Lol Crawley captured the grandeur of its historical narrative.
4. Emotional Resonance
- Furthermore, Kieran Culkin’s A Real Pain performance balanced humor and grief, making it universally relatable.
- In the same vein, No Other Land’s documentary storytelling moved voters with its unflinching look at human struggles.
Outbound Reference: For more on Anora’s journey, check out The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Filmmakers
As a result, the Oscar winners 2025 offer valuable lessons for creators aiming to make their mark:
- Tell Personal Stories: To begin with, Sean Baker’s indie roots and focus on marginalized voices in Anora prove that authentic stories resonate.
- Embrace Diversity: Next, films like Emilia Pérez and I’m Still Here demonstrate the power of inclusive narratives.
- Master Your Craft: Additionally, technical excellence, as seen in Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist, can elevate a film to Oscar status.
- Take Risks: Finally, The Substance’s bold makeup and No Other Land’s unflinching documentary style paid off with wins.
Outbound Reference: Learn more about filmmaking techniques at IndieWire’s filmmaking guides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Oscar winners 2025 showcased the transformative power of storytelling, from Anora’s indie triumph to The Brutalist’s epic scope. Consequently, these films and performances didn’t just win awards—they inspired audiences with their authenticity, diversity, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a cinephile or an aspiring filmmaker, the Academy Awards 2025 offer a roadmap for creating impactful art. Which winner was your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Outbound Reference: For the official winners list, visit Oscars.org.
