Oscars 2025 Recap: Independent Films Shine, Harvey Weinstein's Presence Felt
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The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the ceremony was marked by a significant presence of independent films. Anora, directed by Sean Baker, won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film's success was a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, with a budget of just $6 million. Baker's win also made history, as he became the first person to win four Oscars for a single film, tying Walt Disney's record.
The ceremony also saw the presence of controversy surrounding Harvey Weinstein, with Adrien Brody shouting out his partner, Georgina Chapman, who is Weinstein's ex-wife, during his acceptance speech. The mention of Weinstein's name was a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement on the film industry. Meanwhile, the Oscars' attempt to democratize the ceremony by streaming it on Hulu was marred by technical glitches, which prevented some viewers from watching the final two awards.
Wicked, the big-budget musical film, won two Oscars, including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, but failed to take home the major awards. The film's stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, performed a medley of songs from the film and The Wizard of Oz during the ceremony. Other notable winners included Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldaña, who won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
The ceremony also saw a number of first-time winners, including Paul Tazewell, who became the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design. The Oscars' In Memoriam segment was also notable for its omissions, including Michelle Trachtenberg and Tony Todd. The ceremony was hosted by Conan O'Brien, who brought his signature wit and humor to the proceedings. Despite some technical issues and controversy, the 97th Academy Awards were a celebration of the best in film, with a focus on independent storytelling and innovative filmmaking.
The winners of the 97th Academy Awards included:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Director: Sean Baker for Anora
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
- Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell for Wicked
- Best Production Design: Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley for Wicked
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