Academy Awards

97th Oscars – ANORA Wins 5 Academy Awards

By Movie Geeks | March 2, 2025

Conan O’Brien hosts the live ABC telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The independent film made for $6 million won the top prize at the 97th Academy Awards. Winning five Oscars, ANORA took home the gold for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay.

The 97th Oscars opened with a “We Love LA” movie montage followed by “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” sung by Ariana Grande and “Home” sung By Cynthia Erivo. The standing ovation was then met by the duo singing Wicked’s “Defying Gravity”. A true show-stopping opener to the 97th Academy Awards concluded with thunderous applause from the audience in the Dolby Theatre, as well as an eruption in the pressroom.

Host Conan O’Brien welcomed everyone to the telecast and Hollywood’s Biggest Night “at 4pm in the afternoon and let’s do this thing!” He had the audience laughing with jokes about the various 10 Best Picture nominees. O’Brien even made a jab about controversial Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, “If you’re gonna tweet tonight, remember my name is Jimmy Kimmel” and a funny jab at Jeff Bezos, Amazon and the next pick for James Bond. No subject or actor was safe, even John Lithgow, and Adam Sandler made an appearance in shorts and a zippered hoodie. Go Sandman! O’Brien was the perfect host, very funny and delivered one of the best opening monologues in years. It landed really well in the pressroom too…Go Coco! The comedian expertly and emotionally navigated from humor to a more serious tone about the Southern California fires. “Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work which is what this is about, the work, continues and next year and for years to come through the trauma and joy this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here.” But wait, he wasn’t over. There was even an opening musical number where he promised, “I Wont Waste Time” accompanied with a DUNE sandworm playing on the piano and Deadpool tumbling in. The 2025 Oscars announcer was actor Nick Offerman.

BEST PICTURE – ANORA. Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Sean Baker, Producers

BEST DIRECTOR – Sean Baker. ANORA

Actor in a Leading Role – Adrien Brody. THE BRUTALIST

“I have to thank my mom and dad who are here as well. And they’ve given me, they’ve just created just such a strong foundation of respect and. Of kindness and a wonderful spirit and they’ve given me. They’ve given me the strength to pursue this dream. I’m here once again. To represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war. And systematic oppression. And of anti-Semitism and racism. And of othering And I believe that I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

Actor in a Supporting Role – Kieran Culkin. A REAL PAIN

Backstage Culkin said, “I feel like whenever I’ve worked on something important I end up taking things with me. Like sometimes people will say like, oh you’re a lot like that character. I’m like I wasn’t until I did it, and now I feel like I took something with me.”

Actress in a Leading Role – Mikey Madison. ANORA

“I also just want to recognize the thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, breathtaking work of my fellow nominees. I’m honored to be recognized alongside all of you. This is a dream come true, I’m probably gonna wake up tomorrow.”

Actress in a Supporting Role – Zoe Saldaña. EMILIA PEREZ

“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish, my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother Argentina Cisse. Thank you so much, mucha gracias, thank you.”