Hollywood’s biggest night wrapped up with plenty of surprises, historic wins, and emotional speeches at the 97th Academy Awards. From Adrien Brody securing his second Oscar to Sean Baker’s “Anora” sweeping multiple categories, the evening had no shortage of standout moments. Here’s a complete rundown of who took home the golden statuette.
A Big Night for Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora dominated the night, winning Best Picture along with Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Mikey Madison, the film’s lead, also secured the Best Actress award, cementing Anora as one of the most celebrated films of the year. Anora has won multiple awards this year except the SAG awards where it was snubbed.
Adrien Brody Claims Second Oscar
Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor with his performance in “The Brutalist.” His win places him in an elite group of actors with multiple Academy Awards. Brody’s portrayal in the film, a gripping tale of survival and ambition, won praise for its emotional depth and intensity. The film also picked up awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score
Mikey Madison’s Breakthrough Moment
Mikey Madison, known for her past roles in indie dramas and thrillers, stunned audiences with her performance in “Anora.” The film follows a young woman navigating love, loss, and self-discovery, and Madison’s portrayal was nothing short of transformative. Her win for Best Actress marked a career-defining moment, as she stood alongside the film’s director, Sean Baker, who collected awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Take Home Supporting Awards
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, marking a major milestone in his career. On the Best Supporting Actress side, Zoe Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez earned her the prestigious honor, adding to the film’s recognition. Emilia Pérez also secured a win for Best Original Song with El Mal.
“Flow” Wins Best Animated Film, “Dune: Part Two” Sweeps Technical Awards
The animated category saw “Flow” surpass “The Wild Robot” for Best Animated Feature. The visually stunning film captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling and artistic direction. Meanwhile, “Dune: Part Two” dominated the technical categories, winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. The sci-fi epic, known for its stunning cinematography and immersive sound design, proved its dominance in crafting futuristic worlds.
A Historic Win for Paul Tazewell
Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Costume Design, thanks to his work on “Wicked.” The musical adaptation’s stunning wardrobe played a crucial role in bringing its characters to life. Tazewell’s win marks an important moment in the Academy’s history, emphasizing the need for continued recognition of diverse talent.
Complete List of Winners
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
- Best International Film: I’m Still Here
- Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land
- Best Original Screenplay: Anora (Sean Baker)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave (Peter Straughan)
- Best Original Score: The Brutalist (Daniel Blumberg)
- Best Original Song: El Mal (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Animated Film: Flow
- Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
- Best Costume Design: Wicked (Paul Tazewell)
- Best Cinematography: The Brutalist (Lol Crawley)
- Best Documentary Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
- Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
- Best Production Design: Wicked
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
- Best Film Editing: Anora (Sean Baker)
- Best Live Action Short Film: I’m Not a Robot
- Best Animated Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated a mix of fresh faces, returning legends, and groundbreaking achievements. With Anora leading the pack and several historic wins, this year’s Oscars will be remembered for years to come.