And that’s a wrap on the 97th Academy Awards! As always, the night was filled with excitement, a few surprises, and, of course, those classic long-winded speeches that probably made the orchestra a little too eager to play people off the stage. If you missed the ceremony (or just want a quick recap), here’s what went down at this year’s Oscars.
Best Picture: Anora
This one was expected. Anora had been leading the conversation for months, and it officially cemented its place in history by taking home the night’s biggest award. It’s one of those films that sticks with you—powerful storytelling, incredible performances, and just beautifully crafted from start to finish. When the cast and crew took the stage, you could feel the genuine emotion in the room.
Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
Sean Baker has been making a name for himself with his raw, indie-style filmmaking, and Anora really showcased his talent. He has a way of making films feel so real, and this was no different. His speech was heartfelt, and you could tell this win truly meant something to him.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Adrien Brody is back in the spotlight, and honestly? It’s about time. His performance in The Brutalist was intense, emotional, and exactly the kind of role that earns someone an Oscar. He got a standing ovation, which felt like a real “welcome back” moment for him.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
Now this was one of the best moments of the night. Mikey Madison seemed completely caught off guard when her name was called—genuinely shocked. Her performance in Anora was breathtaking, and she totally deserved this win. Her speech was a little scattered (understandably), but that just made it more endearing.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Kieran Culkin winning an Oscar just feels right. He’s been crushing it for years, and his performance in A Real Pain was the perfect mix of humor and heart. His speech? Classic Kieran—funny, a little awkward, and totally authentic. It’s always great when a win feels like it means something, and this one definitely did.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Zoe Saldaña winning her first Oscar was easily one of the night’s most emotional moments. She’s been in so many major films, but Emilia Pérez gave her the kind of role that truly let her shine. The standing ovation said it all—this was long overdue.
Other Notable Wins
• Best Animated Feature: Flow – A visually stunning film that had people emotional in the best way.
• Best Cinematography: The Brutalist – Every single shot was a masterpiece.
• Best Original Screenplay: Anora – The writing was just next level.
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave – A well-crafted adaptation that had people hooked.
• Best Costume Design: Wicked – Pure magic, as expected.
• Best Sound & Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two – I mean… was there really any competition?
Final Thoughts
Overall, the night had a little bit of everything—big wins, emotional speeches, and a few moments that had people talking. Anora was the clear champion of the night, Dune: Part Two owned the technical awards, and Kieran Culkin finally got the recognition he deserved.
