Oscars 2025: Know All The Winners And Nominees Of All Categories!

The 97th Academy Awards celebrated a year of exceptional filmmaking, with “Anora” taking center stage as the Best Picture winner. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honored diverse talents and groundbreaking narratives, showcasing the power of cinema to inspire and connect audiences worldwide. “Emilia Pérez” made history with 13 nominations in Oscars 2025, highlighting the growing recognition of international films on the global stage.

The evening was filled with historic moments, including first-time wins and nominations that reflected the evolving landscape of the film industry. From acting to technical achievements, the Oscars recognizes the best in cinema, celebrating the art of storytelling and the dedication of filmmakers.

Best Picture: “Anora” Leads the Pack

Winner’s Impact: “Anora’s” victory resonated deeply with audiences and critics, highlighting the resurgence of independent cinema and its ability to tell compelling, character-driven stories.
- The film’s exploration of human relationships and societal themes struck a chord with viewers.
- Sean Baker’s directorial style was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Nominee Diversity: The diverse range of nominees, including “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked,” reflected the breadth of cinematic excellence in 2024.
- Each film brought unique perspectives and storytelling techniques to the forefront.
- The films varied in genre and subject matter.
Production Excellence: The producers of “Anora,” Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, and Sean Baker, were recognized for their dedication and vision in bringing the film to life.
- Their collaborative effort highlighted the importance of teamwork in filmmaking.
- The win was a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.

Acting Categories: Historic Wins and Nominations

Best Actor’s Triumph: Adrien Brody’s powerful performance in “The Brutalist” was a masterclass in acting, earning him the prestigious award.
- Brody’s portrayal of a complex character showcased his range and depth as an actor.
- His win was celebrated as a recognition of his dedication to his craft.
Best Actress Milestone: Mikey Madison’s win for “Anora” marked a historic moment, as she became the ninth-youngest performer to receive the award.
- Madison’s nuanced performance captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
- Her win was seen as a sign of the rising talent in the industry.
Supporting Role Excellence: Kieran Culkin’s standout performance in “A Real Pain” earned him the Best Supporting Actor award, despite the film not being nominated for Best Picture.
- Culkin’s portrayal of a complex character was praised for its depth and authenticity.
- His win highlighted the importance of supporting performances in storytelling.
Groundbreaking Wins: Zoe Saldaña’s win for “Emilia Pérez” made her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, celebrating diversity in cinema.
- Her performance was celebrated as a powerful representation of her heritage.
- The nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender performer in an acting category was a landmark moment.
Youngest Nominee Record: Timothée Chalamet’s nomination at 29 made him the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee since James Dean, showcasing his rising stardom.
- His continued recognition at a young age highlighted his talent and potential.
- Yura Borisov became the first Oscar-nominated Russian actor since 1978.

Directing and Screenwriting: Celebrating Vision and Storytelling

Director’s Triumph: Sean Baker’s win for “Anora” was a testament to his innovative direction and storytelling prowess.
- His unique approach to filmmaking resonated with audiences and critics.
- His ability to capture authentic human experiences was highly praised.
Screenwriting Excellence: Sean Baker’s win for Best Original Screenplay further highlighted his talent as a storyteller.
- His ability to craft compelling narratives was celebrated by the Academy.
- Peter Straughan’s win for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Conclave” showcased his skill in adapting literary works for the screen.
First-Time Director Recognition: The fact that all Best Director nominees were first-timers since 1998 signaled a new era of talent in the category.
- This trend showcased the Academy’s commitment to recognizing emerging filmmakers.
- Coralie Fargeat’s nomination as the ninth woman in the category was a significant milestone.
Multiple Nominations Impact: Jacques Audiard and Sean Baker’s four nominations each highlight their significant contributions to the year’s cinema.
- Their multiple nominations underscored their versatility and talent.
- Brady Corbet, Coralie Fargeat, and James Mangold all received 3 nominations.

Technical Achievements: Visual and Auditory Excellence

Visual Effects Mastery: “Dune: Part Two’s” win for Best Visual Effects showcased the groundbreaking advancements in cinematic technology.
- The film’s stunning visuals created an immersive and unforgettable experience.
- The team of Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer were awarded.
Sound Design Excellence: “Dune: Part Two” also won for Best Sound, highlighting the importance of auditory elements in filmmaking.
- The film’s immersive sound design enhanced the storytelling experience.
- The team of Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill were awarded.
Cinematography Artistry: “The Brutalist’s” win for Best Cinematography celebrated the film’s artistic and compelling visuals.
- Lol Crawley’s work was praised for its ability to capture the film’s mood and themes.
- The film used visual storytelling to enhance the narrative.
Costume Design Recognition: Paul Tazewell’s win for “Wicked” made him the first Black man to win in this category, celebrating diversity in design.
- His work showcased the power of costume design in character development.
- The makeup and hairstyling team for “The Substance” were awarded for their impressive work.
Living Nomination Record: Andy Nelson’s 25 nominations highlighted his significant contributions to sound design, second only to John Williams among living nominees.
- His continued recognition underscored his expertise and dedication.
- This record shows the long-term contributions of artists.

International and Animated Features: Global Recognition

International Breakthrough: “I’m Still Here’s” win for Best International Feature Film marked a significant moment for Portuguese-language cinema.
- Walter Salles’ direction was praised for its cultural significance and storytelling.
- The film’s success highlighted the growing recognition of international films.
Animated Feature Recognition: “Flow’s” win for Best Animated Feature Film, along with its nomination for Best International Feature, showcased its unique storytelling.
- Gints Zilbalodis’ direction and animation were celebrated for their innovation.
- “Memoir of a Snail” became the second R-rated animated film to be nominated.
Documentary Impact: “No Other Land’s” win for Best Documentary Feature Film marked a historic moment for Palestinian cinema.
- Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham’s direction brought attention to important social and political issues.
- Basel Adra’s win made him the first Palestinian filmmaker to win an Oscar.
Double Nominations Significance: The double nominations for “Emilia Pérez” and “I’m Still Here” highlighted the increasing crossover between international and mainstream cinema.
- These films showcased the global appeal of diverse storytelling.
- The films showcased that non-english language films can compete in all categories.

Conclusion: Oscars 2025

The 97th Academy Awards was a night of celebration, recognizing the best in cinematic achievement. “Anora’s” victory, along with the historic wins and nominations, highlighted the industry’s commitment to diversity and excellence. The ceremony underscored the power of storytelling to connect audiences and inspire change.