2025 Oscars Results: “Anora” Triumphs, “Emilia Pérez” Disappoints

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, saw the independent tragedy “Anora” dominate, winning five major awards. In contrast, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez,” despite being nominated in 13 categories, failed to meet expectations.

“Anora”: A Historic Triumph for Independent Cinema

The tragicomedy Anora, directed by Sean Baker, triumphed at this year’s Oscars, taking home five prestigious awards, including Best Picture. This success crowns an exceptional journey for an independent film, which had already been celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or. In addition to the top award, Sean Baker also won Best Director, while Mikey Madison received the Best Actress award for her moving performance in the film. The director also took home the Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing Oscars, making him one of the night’s biggest winners.

“Emilia Pérez”: A Mixed Disappointment Despite 13 Nominations

Although the musical comedy Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard garnered 13 nominations, it only won two awards: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for El Mal performed by Camille and Clément Ducol. This modest performance can partly be explained by controversies surrounding the film, particularly the controversial tweets of the lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascon.

Other Notable Wins

The Best Actor award went to Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist, where he portrays a Hungarian architect. This second Oscar adds to his career, following his 2003 win for The Pianist. Kieran Culkin was honored with Best Supporting Actor for his performance in A Real Pain.

As for The Brutalist, it also won in the Best Cinematography and Best Original Music categories. The film impressed the juries with its poignant atmosphere and unique artistic approach.

A Politically Engaged Ceremony

While the ceremony remained relatively consensual, several speeches touched on political topics such as the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Daryl Hannah, who appeared on stage, expressed her support for Ukraine by shouting “Slava Ukraine.” The documentary No Other Land, which deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, also won the Best Documentary Oscar. The message from the filmmakers was especially moving, calling for an end to violence and “ethnic cleansing.”

Complete 2025 Oscars Winners:

Best Picture

• Anora by Sean Baker

Best Director

• Sean Baker for Anora

Best Original Screenplay

• Sean Baker for Anora

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Peter Straughan for Conclave

Best Actor

• Adrien Brody for The Brutalist

Best Actress

• Mikey Madison for Anora

Best Supporting Actor

• Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain

Best Supporting Actress

• Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

Best Original Music

• Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist

Best Original Song

• El Mal, by Camille and Clément Ducol (from Emilia Pérez)

Best International Feature Film

• Je suis toujours là by Walter Salles (Brazil)

Best Animated Feature Film

• Flow by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia)

Best Cinematography

• Lol Crawley for The Brutalist

Best Production Design

• Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales for Wicked

Best Costume Design

• Paul Tazewell for Wicked

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli for The Substance

Best Film Editing

• Sean Baker for Anora

Best Sound

• Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill for Dune: Part Two

Best Visual Effects

• Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer for Dune: Part Two

Best Documentary Feature

• No Other Land by Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham

Best Documentary Short

• The Only Girl in the Orchestra by Molly O’Brien and Lisa Remington

Best Live Action Short

• I’m Not a Robot by Victoria Warmerdam and Trent

Best Animated Short

• In the Shadow of the Cypress by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi