Oscars 2025 Recap: Independent Films Shine with Big Wins

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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 strong showing from independent films. Independent films have been gaining traction in recent years, and this year's Oscars were no exception. Anora, a film with a budget of just $6 million, took home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film's director, Sean Baker, also won awards for Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

The ceremony was hosted by Conan O'Brien, who brought his signature wit and humor to the stage. The night's big winners included Adrien Brody, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, and Kieran Culkin, who took home the Best Supporting Actor award for A Real Pain. Zoe Saldaña also won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Emilia Pérez. The film Wicked, which had 10 Oscar nominations, won two awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. The win for Best Costume Design was a historic moment for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar in the category.

The Oscars also saw a number of notable snubs, including Demi Moore, who was nominated for her role in The Substance but lost to Mikey Madison. The film The Last Showgirl, which starred Pamela Anderson, was also not nominated for any awards. The ceremony was not without its controversies, including a moment when Adrien Brody shouted out his partner, Georgina Chapman, who is the ex-wife of Harvey Weinstein. The Academy has faced criticism in the past for its handling of issues related to Weinstein, and this moment was seen as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement on the film industry.

Despite the controversies, the ceremony was marked by a number of memorable moments, including a performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from the film Wicked. The duo performed a medley of songs, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Defying Gravity." The ceremony also included a tribute to the James Bond films, which featured a performance by Lisa of the South Korean girl group Blackpink. The film industry is constantly evolving, and the Oscars provide a unique glimpse into the latest trends and developments.

Here is a list of some of the night's big winners:

• Best Picture: 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