The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, recognized the best in filmmaking over the past year. This prestigious event celebrated cinematic excellence, awarding standout performances, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling. Here’s a comprehensive look at the winners of the major categories and where you can watch the top films.
Major Oscar Winners of 2025
Best Picture: Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora took home the top honour of the night, securing the Best Picture award. The film’s gripping storyline and emotional depth made it a standout among the nominees.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison – Anora
Mikey Madison delivered a career-defining performance in Anora, portraying Ani, a young sex worker who enters a complex relationship with the son of a Russian oligarch.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Adrien Brody’s intense and moving performance in The Brutalist earned him the Best Actor Oscar, marking another milestone in his distinguished career.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Zoe Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her the Best Supporting Actress trophy.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin – A Complete Unknown
Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his outstanding work in A Complete Unknown, adding another impressive achievement to his acting portfolio.
Best Director: Sean Baker – Anora
Sean Baker’s exceptional storytelling and direction in Anora led him to win Best Director, solidifying the film’s dominance at the Oscars.
Best Original Screenplay: Anora – Written by Sean Baker
The original screenplay of Anora was praised for its compelling narrative and deep character exploration, winning Best Original Screenplay.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave
Conclave took home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, recognized for its skillful adaptation of a thought-provoking story.
Best Cinematography: Lol Crawley – The Brutalist
The visually striking work of Lol Crawley in The Brutalist earned him the Best Cinematography award, showcasing his artistic vision.
Best Production Design: Wicked
The grand and immersive world of Wicked impressed the Academy, winning Best Production Design.
Best Sound & Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
The sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, winning both Best Sound and Best Visual Effects for its stunning auditory and visual experience.
Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell – Wicked
Paul Tazewell’s work on Wicked brought vibrant and intricate costumes to life, earning him the Best Costume Design award.
Best Original Score: The Brutalist
The haunting and powerful musical composition of The Brutalist won the Best Original Score award, enhancing the film’s emotional impact.
Best Animated Feature Film: Flow
The beautifully animated and heartfelt Flow captured audiences and won Best Animated Feature Film.
Best International Feature Film: Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez continued its success by winning Best International Feature Film, further solidifying its global recognition.
Best Documentary Feature: Sing Sing
The documentary Sing Sing received critical acclaim and won Best Documentary Feature for its compelling storytelling.
Best Film Editing: Anora
Anora’s seamless and impactful editing won the Best Film Editing award, adding another accolade to its impressive tally.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Wicked
The transformation of characters in Wicked through makeup and hairstyling earned the film another Oscar in this category.
Best Original Song: "Lost Stars" – A Real Pain
The emotional ballad "Lost Stars" from A Real Pain won Best Original Song, touching the hearts of many viewers.
Where to Watch the Top Oscar-Winning Films
For those eager to watch the award-winning films, here’s where you can find them:
- Anora – Streaming on Hulu starting March 17, 2025. Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and YouTube.
- The Brutalist – Expected to be released on streaming platforms soon. Stay tuned for updates.
- Dune: Part Two – Currently playing in theatres and available for pre-order on digital platforms.
- Wicked is set for release later in 2025, with a streaming deal yet to be announced.
- Emilia Pérez – Available in select theatres and will be coming to major streaming services soon.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards showcased a diverse and talented lineup of winners, reflecting the evolving landscape of cinema. From groundbreaking performances to stunning visuals, this year’s Oscars celebrated the best of storytelling and artistic achievement.
Which Oscar-winning film are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments and share this article with fellow movie enthusiasts!
