Sean Baker and Anora Shine at the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday night at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and the evening was nothing short of historic. With nearly four hours of dazzling performances, unforgettable speeches, and emotional moments, the Oscars showcased the very best of cinema. The night saw multiple films making their mark, but the true standout of the evening was Sean Baker’s Anora, which made history by winning four Oscars—a feat that ties a longstanding record.
The ceremony was filled with surprises, major upsets, and emotional moments that will go down in Oscar history. Here’s a complete breakdown of the biggest winners and the most notable moments from the 97th Academy Awards.
Sean Baker Leads the Pack with Four Wins
The night belonged to Sean Baker, who not only directed Anora but also took home four Academy Awards for the film. Anora, a breathtaking narrative that captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike, won in the following categories:
- Best Director: Sean Baker
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker
- Best Film Editing: Anora
Baker’s vision and craft were undeniable, and his achievement marked a milestone in the history of the Academy Awards. His emotional acceptance speeches added a deeply personal touch, reminding everyone why he is one of the most unique voices in contemporary filmmaking.
A Star Is Born: Mikey Madison’s Leading Role
Another standout was Mikey Madison, whose performance in Anora earned her the coveted Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. Madison’s portrayal of the film’s central character was both powerful and heart-wrenching, cementing her as one of Hollywood’s most promising stars. The moment she was announced as the winner was met with roaring applause, and her speech was one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody’s Unforgettable Performance
Adrien Brody won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his transformative performance in The Brutalist. Known for his ability to embody complex characters, Brody’s role in The Brutalist captured the depth and intensity of the human condition. This win marks another major milestone in Brody’s storied career, proving that his talent remains unmatched in the industry.
Supporting Roles: Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Shine
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña both took home awards for their exceptional performances.
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Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain earned rave reviews, with his nuanced portrayal of a complex character winning over both critics and voters. His Oscar for Best Supporting Actor was well-deserved, and his emotional acceptance speech reflected the gratitude he felt for the opportunity. -
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
Saldaña, known for her roles in blockbuster franchises, brought a different kind of gravitas to her performance in Emilia Pérez. Her portrayal of a woman struggling with identity and family was a tour de force, earning her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her win was a testament to her versatility as an actor.
Musical Triumph: “El Mal” Dominates Original Song
In a year where music played a central role in many of the nominated films, Emilia Pérez’s “El Mal” triumphed in the Best Original Song category. The haunting ballad, which served as the emotional backbone of the film, resonated with audiences worldwide. The performance of “El Mal” during the ceremony was an emotional high point, with the song’s powerful lyrics and melody providing a memorable moment.
Cinematography and Score: The Brutalist Reigns
The visually stunning The Brutalist dominated the technical categories, securing two major wins:
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Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
The film’s breathtaking visual composition, which captured both the grandeur and the intimacy of its world, was celebrated by the Academy. The cinematography elevated the story, bringing its dramatic weight to life in a way that few films achieve. -
Best Original Score: The Brutalist
In addition to the acting accolades, The Brutalist took home the Oscar for Best Original Score. The music, composed by a team of talented musicians, created an atmosphere that matched the emotional beats of the film, providing an essential soundtrack for the story.
Other Multiple Award Winners
Several films also saw success across multiple categories, proving their creative and technical brilliance:
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Wicked:
The highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation took home two Oscars:- Best Costume Design
- Best Production Design
The film’s elaborate costumes and immersive world-building were a key part of its success, showcasing the incredible work that went into bringing this beloved Broadway show to life.
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Dune: Part Two:
Dune: Part Two added to its legacy by winning two prestigious awards:- Best Sound
- Best Visual Effects
Known for its groundbreaking visual effects and incredible sound design, Dune: Part Two continued its dominance in the technical categories, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
A Full List of the Major Winners
Here’s a recap of the top winners from the 97th Academy Awards:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker for Anora
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison for Anora
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker for Anora
- Best Film Editing: Anora
- Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
- Best Original Score: The Brutalist
- Best Original Song: “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez
- Best Costume Design: Wicked
- Best Production Design: Wicked
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
A Historic and Unforgettable Night
The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered not only for the incredible talent displayed across the board but also for the diversity of voices and stories that were honored. From Anora’s dominance to the technical marvels of The Brutalist and Dune: Part Two, this year’s ceremony was a testament to the rich tapestry of film in all its forms.
The evening was full of inspiring moments, emotional speeches, and a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the films and artists celebrated at this year’s Oscars have left an indelible mark on cinema, setting the stage for the next generation of storytellers.
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