Anora was the clear star of the 2025 Academy Awards, walking away with five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Directed by Sean Baker, the film not only claimed major honors but also made history. Baker became the second person in Oscar history, alongside Walt Disney, to win four awards in a single night, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most innovative filmmakers.
The evening was filled with glitz, glamour, and achievements, but the night truly belonged to one film, “Anora“. The film swept the awards, taking home five Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture and Best Director categories.
Directed by Sean Baker, Anora captured the hearts of fans and audiences. The film’s poignant storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning cinematography made it the standout movie of the year. At the 97th Academy Awards, Anora won in almost every major category, making its place in cinematic history.
Full List of 2025 Oscar Winners:
Best Picture: Anora
“Anora” emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home five Oscars, including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars in a single night, joining Walt Disney as the second person to achieve this feat.
Best Director & Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker for Anora
Sean Baker’s visionary direction of Anora earned him the Oscar for Best Director. His ability to bring out the most authentic performances from his cast and tell a deeply moving story was key to the film’s success. The screenplay of Anora, penned by Sean Baker, earned the Best Original Screenplay award.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
Mikey Madison was awarded Best Actress for her role in Anora, where she delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance that captured the film’s essence.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his portrayal of a troubled architect in The Brutalist. His performance was widely praised for its depth and complexity, making it one of the year’s most memorable roles.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in Emilia Pérez. She portrayed as a woman fighting to change her life, a performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain. His mix of humor and emotional depth earned him praise as one of the standout performers of the night.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan for Conclave
Peter Straughan’s work on Conclave, an adaptation based on the novel of the same name, earned him the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. His careful handling of the source material made the film both engaging and thought-provoking.
Best Animated Feature: Flow
The director of Flow, Gints Zibalodis, won the Best Animated Feature award. On stage, Zibalodis expressed his gratitude, thanking his parents and pets, and added, ‘This is the first time a film from Latvia has ever been nominated, so it really means a lot to us.’
Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, with standout performances by Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani.
The ceremony also honored several industry veterans with special awards:
- Juliet Taylor: Academy Honorary Award
- Quincy Jones: Academy Honorary Award
- Richard Curtis: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award
The 2025 Oscars were a reflection of the shifting tastes in cinema. Films like Anora, with their emotional and diverse storytelling, are showing that the Academy is increasingly open to recognizing movies that go beyond the typical blockbuster fare.