The Oscars — that glittering spectacle that promises a thrilling mix of triumph, spectacle, and, of course, glamour — has just concluded for its 97th edition, and let’s just say, it was a night of unforgettable moments. But before we dive into the glitz and glam, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the real stars of the show: those films and artists who, with their passion, grit, and creativity, took home the gold.
The Big Winner: ANORA
It was a year where the unexpected ruled the night. ANORA — the film that caught everyone off guard, yet seemed to sneak up on Hollywood like a shadow in the night — emerged as the night’s biggest winner. With five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker, this film proved that sometimes the greatest rewards come when you least expect them. And of course, Mikey Madison’s remarkable performance in the leading role earned her the coveted Best Actress trophy. I mean, it’s not every day that a film takes home five Oscars, right?
So what made ANORA so irresistible? Maybe it was the raw storytelling, the unfiltered look at human emotion, or the way it captured an era we all feel we’re part of but can’t quite put into words. Whatever it was, it resonated with the voters — and you know what they say: it’s all about the art, not the hype.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody in THE BRUTALIST
In the acting categories, the stakes were high. But Adrien Brody, one of Hollywood’s most consistent performers, snagged the Best Actor award for his powerhouse role in THE BRUTALIST. And let’s be honest, Brody has been around the block long enough to know that a performance like this—gritty, emotional, and totally immersive—deserves the win. With roles spanning from heart-wrenching dramas to quirky comedies, his turn in THE BRUTALIST was nothing short of spectacular.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Sometimes, the characters that are hardest to play are the ones that seem to be the simplest on the surface. Yet, Brody made it look effortless. But we know, nothing ever is, right?
Supporting Roles Stealing the Spotlight
Supporting roles have often been the unsung heroes of Hollywood, and this year was no exception. Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in A REAL PAIN, proving yet again that he’s more than just the quirky little brother we all love. He owned the screen, completely immersing himself in the role of a man caught in a moral quandary. If you haven’t seen his performance, do yourself a favor and watch. I’ll wait.
On the flip side, Zoe Saldaña (yes, Gamora herself) bagged Best Supporting Actress for EMILIA PÉREZ. From the moment she appeared on screen, you could tell she was ready to show us all something new. And sure enough, she did — moving from action-packed roles to one that demanded a nuanced, heartfelt performance. The Oscar world’s response? Applause all around.
Animated Excellence: FLOW and IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS
And then we move to the realm of animation, where creativity knows no bounds. FLOW, a visually stunning masterpiece, took home the Best Animated Feature Film award. This film was not just a visual feast; it had something deeper, something that tugged at your heartstrings. And it had us all wondering: can a film really make you feel so much using nothing but pixels and drawings? The answer, clearly, is yes.
And in the Best Animated Short Film category, it was IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS that left the audience speechless. With its haunting beauty and subtle storytelling, it showcased that sometimes, less is more. A quiet, reflective piece that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you haven’t heard of it, now’s your chance. It’s time to check it out.
Documentaries: NO OTHER LAND and THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA
In the world of documentaries, the stirring NO OTHER LAND took home the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. Directed by Basel Adra, this film was a powerful exploration of displacement and survival. Documentaries often hold a mirror to the world, and this one did so with brutal honesty. In fact, the subject matter was so gripping, it was almost hard to believe the film wasn’t fictional. It’s a must-watch for anyone who seeks to understand the human condition in all its complexities.
Then, we had THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA, which was awarded Best Documentary Short Film. This was a film about breaking barriers, about a woman’s struggle to make her voice heard in a male-dominated world. It’s inspiring, to say the least. “It’s not about the applause,” the director might say, “but about making sure the music plays in the first place.” And that’s exactly what they did. Bravo.
The Quiet Power of THE BRUTALIST
Among the many standout films this year, THE BRUTALIST deserves a special mention for its technical brilliance. From the stunning Cinematography to the intricate Costume Design, this film was a masterclass in how every piece of a film—no matter how small—can come together to tell a larger story.
Lol Crawley’s work behind the camera earned him the Best Cinematography Oscar, while WICKED’s Paul Tazewell took home the Best Costume Design. It’s easy to overlook these categories, but they are absolutely vital to the overall success of a film. Just like the best stories, these films had layers, textures, and subtle moments that demanded attention. We shouldn’t ignore the artistry that goes into making each scene pop.
The Power of Original Screenwriting: ANORA
In the world of scriptwriting, Sean Baker’s ANORA continued its streak, winning Best Original Screenplay. And if you’ve seen it, you’ll understand why. It wasn’t just the plot, or the characters, or the visuals; it was the writing. It took risks, and it paid off. It’s the kind of script you can tell came from the gut. You know, when a movie is so well written, it feels as though the writer was sitting in the room, just talking to you. That’s the magic of a truly original script. And that, my friends, is what Baker achieved.
A Night of Triumphs, Tears, and Reflection
The 97th Academy Awards were not just about awards. They were about stories—stories that provoke, that make us think, that challenge the status quo. The films and artists who took home Oscars didn’t just win trophies; they reminded us why we tell stories in the first place. To make sense of the world. To raise our voices. To speak for the voiceless.
Hollywood has its critics. And rightly so. But sometimes, just sometimes, it gets it right. And this year, it felt like they did. So here’s to those who took home the gold, to the stories that moved us, and to the new wave of cinema that is here to stay.
