Movie buffs the 97th Academy Awards just wrapped up and let me tell you it was a night of surprises! While some expected big studio films to dominate the night it was the indie film "Anora" that walked away with the top prize Best Picture. Yep Sean Baker's movie about a Brooklyn sex worker stole the show and made Oscars history. Let's break down the biggest wins the snubs and everything you need to know from Hollywood's biggest night.
'Anora' Sweeps the Oscars: Indie Film Takes Home Best Picture Director and Acting Honors!
Hold onto your hats folks because "Anora" was the big winner of the night. This indie gem snagged not one not two but FIVE Oscars including the coveted Best Picture award. Sean Baker took home Best Director for his work and Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her incredible performance in the lead role. "Anora" also scored wins for Original Screenplay and Film Editing proving that sometimes smaller films can make the biggest splash.
This is a huge deal for indie cinema and a sign that the Academy is continuing to broaden its horizons. "Anora" beat out some serious competition including big-budget films and critically acclaimed dramas. It's a win for original storytelling and films that take risks. If you haven't heard of "Anora" before you definitely need to check it out now!
Beyond 'Anora': Other Major Wins and Standout Moments from the 2025 Academy Awards
While "Anora" was the star of the show there were plenty of other deserving winners throughout the night. Here are some of the other key awards and highlights:
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist" - Brody’s portrayal of a Holocaust survivor architect resonated with the Academy earning him the Best Actor statue.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez" - Saldaña's performance in the musical crime drama "Emilia Pérez" was recognized with a win in the supporting actress category.
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain" - The "Succession" star snagged an Oscar for his role in Jesse Eisenberg's poignant comedy.
- Best Animated Feature: "Flow" - Latvia took home the animated feature Oscar with this unique dialogue-free film about animals surviving a flood beating out Disney favorites.
- Best Documentary Feature: "No Other Land" - This timely documentary exploring Palestinian displacement in the West Bank won in a powerful moment for international stories.
- Best International Feature Film: "I'm Still Here" (Brazil) - Brazil celebrated a win in the International Feature Film category with "I'm Still Here" a film about a political disappearance during Brazil's dictatorship era.
- Technical Wins for 'Dune: Part Two' and 'Wicked' - Big-budget films "Dune: Part Two" and "Wicked" were recognized for their visual and technical achievements with "Dune: Part Two" winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound while "Wicked" secured wins for Costume Design and Production Design.
From Red Carpet Glamour to Surprise Victories: Inside the 97th Academy Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Oscars were not just about the awards it was a whole event. The night kicked off with the usual red carpet spectacle with stars showing off amazing outfits and sparkling jewelry. Inside the Dolby Theatre Conan O'Brien hosted the ceremony bringing his signature humor to the stage.
There were some genuinely moving moments too. Acceptance speeches were emotional and many winners spoke about the importance of art and storytelling. The ceremony also felt more international than ever with winners coming from various countries around the globe reflecting the Academy's increasingly global membership.
And of course there were some classic Oscar night surprises. Mikey Madison's Best Actress win was definitely an upset for some who expected Demi Moore to take the prize. "Emilia Pérez" which had a lot of nominations ended up with fewer wins than anticipated. But in the end it was "Anora" that reigned supreme solidifying its place in Oscar history as a true indie triumph.
Where to Watch the Oscar Winners: Catch Up on the Best Films of 2025 From Your Couch
Now that the Oscars are over you are probably wondering where you can watch these award-winning movies right? Good news many of the winners are already available to stream or rent online. Here's a quick guide:
- Anora: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- The Brutalist: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- Emilia Pérez: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- Wicked: Expected to be available for streaming on [Platform - e.g. Peacock] after theatrical run.
- Dune: Part Two: Already available for digital purchase and rental. Streaming on [Platform - e.g. Max] soon.
- I'm Still Here: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- Flow: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- No Other Land: Check for streaming availability on documentary platforms or rental services.
- A Real Pain: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
- The Substance: Stream or rent on major platforms [Check JustWatch or similar service for updated availability].
Get your popcorn ready and start your Oscar movie marathon! These films represent some of the best cinema of the year and are definitely worth checking out.
2025 Oscar Winners: A Quick List of the Top Categories
Want a fast recap of the big winners? Here's a handy list:
- 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: Anora (Sean Baker)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave (Peter Straughan)
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best International Feature Film: I'm Still Here (Brazil)
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
Indie Cinema Shines Bright: 'Anora's Best Picture Win a Victory for Original Storytelling
The 2025 Oscars will be remembered as the year indie film triumphed. "Anora's" Best Picture win is not just a victory for Sean Baker and his team it's a win for independent filmmakers everywhere. It shows that original unique and risk-taking movies can still break through and be recognized on the biggest stage in Hollywood.
So if you are tired of the usual blockbusters and predictable storylines dive into the world of indie cinema. Start with "Anora" and explore the other Oscar winners of 2025. You might just discover your new favorite movie.