Oscars 2025 Highlights: Anora dominates with 5 wins, The Brutalist and Dune Part Two also shine

Anora, the gripping tale of a sex worker’s whirlwind, ill-fated romance with the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, dominated the Oscars, making history in the process. Director Sean Baker became the first person to win four Oscars for a single film, while lead actress Mikey Madison took home Best Actress, and the film itself secured Best Picture.

Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for his performance, used his acceptance speech to advocate for a “healthier, more inclusive world” and called for hate not to go unchecked.

Meanwhile, I'm Still Here won Best International Film, receiving the loudest applause of the night in the winners' room. The film’s director dedicated the award to Eunice Paiva, the film’s subject, praising her resilience in the face of an authoritarian regime.

In the documentary category, No Other Land, which chronicles the friendship between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, won Best Documentary Film. Co-director Yuval Abraham delivered a powerful message: “We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger.”

I'm Not a Robot has won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, standing out among a strong lineup that included Anuja, The Last Ranger, A Lien, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent. The film's compelling storytelling and innovative approach resonated with Academy voters, securing its place as this year’s standout short. The win highlights the power of short-form cinema in delivering impactful narratives within a limited runtime.

"El Mal" from Emilia Pérez has won the Oscar for Best Original Song, marking another big moment for the genre-bending Netflix film. The track triumphed over strong contenders, including Never Too Late (Elton John), Mi Camino (Emilia Pérez), Like A Bird (Sing Sing), and The Journey (The Six Triple Eight).

Presenting the award, rock legend Mick Jagger joked that he was only the second choice for the job—after Bob Dylan. "They wanted someone younger," he quipped, noting that at 81, he’s two years younger than Dylan, 83. The win further cements Emilia Pérez as one of the night’s standout films, celebrating its unique fusion of music and storytelling.

Anora has secured its second Oscar of the night, winning Best Film Editing. The film triumphed over The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, and Wicked, solidifying its place as one of the evening’s standout winners. The film’s sharp pacing and seamless transitions played a crucial role in its storytelling, earning well-deserved recognition from the Academy.

Conclave has won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, with Peter Straughan taking home the award for his adaptation. The film triumphed over a strong field, including A Complete Unknown, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing. Straughan’s sharp and intricate storytelling brought the tension and drama of the papal election to life, earning high praise from critics and Academy voters alike. The win further cements Conclave as one of the year’s most compelling screen adaptations.

Paul Tazewell has won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked, bringing the magical world of Oz to life with his dazzling creations. The film triumphed over strong contenders, including Nosferatu, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, and Gladiator II. Tazewell’s richly detailed costumes played a key role in capturing the fantasy and spectacle of Wicked, earning well-deserved recognition from the Academy.

The Latvian animated film Flow claimed the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, edging out favorites like Wild Robot and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The visually striking story follows a group of animals—including a cat-dog, capybara, bird, and lemur—struggling to survive in a world without humans as rising water levels threaten their existence.

In their acceptance speech, the filmmakers celebrated Flow as Latvia’s first-ever Oscar-nominated film and expressed hope for future recognition, delivering a poignant message: “We must all overcome our differences and work together.”

After a string of sharp jokes and playful digs, host Conan O'Brien shifted gears to acknowledge the challenges Los Angeles has faced. Giving a heartfelt nod to ongoing fire relief efforts, he admitted that extravagant award shows can sometimes feel “superfluous” in difficult times. But, addressing the star-studded crowd, he emphasized the unifying power of cinema—"even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics." The moment brought a touch of sincerity to an otherwise lighthearted evening, reminding everyone of the resilience of both Hollywood and its community.

The night’s humour turned sharp as Conan O'Brien kicked off with his signature brand of savage jokes. He quipped that Anora featured the word [expletive] 479 times—still fewer than how often Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist allegedly used it over the phone, a pointed nod to the controversy surrounding her during the Oscar race. As the camera panned to Gascón, she seemed to take it in stride, laughing off the jab in a moment that blended humour with Hollywood’s ever-present drama.

The 97th Academy Awards kicked off with a breathtaking musical number from "Wicked" stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Grande, dazzling in a red sequined gown reminiscent of Dorothy's ruby slippers, stood under a moonlit, starry sky as she opened the show. Moments later, Erivo, in an elegant white gown, joined her in song, setting a magical tone for the evening. With no clear frontrunners in major categories, the night promises suspense and surprises.

Welcome to the live coverage of the 97th Academy Awards. The biggest night in Hollywood is here! The 97th Academy Awards are live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony is airing on ABC and available for streaming on Hulu.