'Anora' illuminates social issues, dominates the 2025 Oscars

The 2025 Academy Awards delivered a night of historic wins, unexpected upsets, and emotional speeches, with Anora emerging as the biggest winner of the evening.

Sean Baker’s indie drama took home four major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Meanwhile, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her fearless performance in Anora, and Adrien Brody secured Best Actor for his powerful role in The Brutalist. With a diverse array of films and artists recognized, this year’s Oscars celebrated bold storytelling and remarkable performances.

Anora’s dominance at the Oscars

Sean Baker’s Anora swept the Academy Awards, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year.

The screwball drama, which follows a Brooklyn sex worker who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, captivated audiences and critics alike with its unique storytelling, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Baker’s meticulous direction and raw, intimate approach to filmmaking have long been celebrated, but this marks his first Oscar win. His victories in Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing underscored his artistic vision and commitment to authenticity in storytelling.

Mikey Madison’s performance as the titular Anora was another highlight of the night.

The 25-year-old actress won Best Actress in a competitive category that included frontrunners Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres. Madison’s dedication to the role — learning Russian, mastering a Brighton Beach accent, and undergoing months of physical training — made her portrayal unforgettable. Her win not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted Anora’s impact as a film that gives voice to characters often overlooked in mainstream cinema.

Adrien Brody’s triumphant return

Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor for his powerful performance in The Brutalist.

The historical drama follows a Holocaust survivor-turned-architect who faces anti-Semitism, addiction, and violence in postwar America. Brody’s win comes 22 years after he first took home the Best Actor award for The Pianist, making him the youngest actor ever to win in the category — a record he still holds. His emotionally charged performance in The Brutalist was widely praised, reaffirming his place among Hollywood’s elite performers.

Forever etched in history

Beyond Anora and The Brutalist, the night honored a variety of films that showcased diverse storytelling and technical brilliance.

Dune: Part Two took home Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, a testament to its stunning technical achievements in sci-fi filmmaking. The Brutalist also won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, adding to its growing list of accolades.

The Best Supporting Actress award went to Zoe Saldaña for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she delivered a gripping performance as a lawyer aiding a Mexican cartel leader’s transition into a new life.

Emilia Pérez also won Best Original Song for El Mal, with songwriters Camille and Clément Ducol using their acceptance speech to highlight music’s power as a force for social change.

Meanwhile, Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, a gripping drama about a papal election, and I’m Not a Robot claimed Best Live Action Short Film, earning director Victoria Warmerdam her first Oscar.

The Best Documentary Feature award went to No Other Land, a powerful film chronicling life under Israeli occupation, with its directors using their speech to make a bold political statement about Palestinian rights.

I’m Still Here, the Brazilian historical drama directed by Walter Salles, won Best International Feature Film. The film tells the story of Eunice Paiva, a human rights lawyer who fought to uncover the truth behind her husband’s disappearance under Brazil’s military dictatorship.

A night of groundbreaking cinema

The 2025 Oscars celebrated a mix of independent and mainstream cinema, proving that bold, unconventional storytelling can command Hollywood’s highest honors.

Anora’s sweeping victory underscores the power of indie filmmaking, while performances from legends like Adrien Brody and rising stars like Mikey Madison demonstrate the industry’s evolving landscape. With historic wins, heartfelt speeches, and a celebration of global talent, this year’s Academy Awards cemented itself as a defining moment in contemporary cinema.