The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, bringing the usual mix of glamour, surprises and historic wins that kept film lovers on the edge of their seats. Hosted at the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, the night celebrated the best in cinema, with established stars and fresh talent taking the stage.
This year’s Best Picture award went to Anora, directed by Sean Baker. The independent drama triumphed over strong contenders like The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked. The film’s raw storytelling and powerful performances cemented its place as the Academy’s top pick. “I was so happy to see Anora win Best Picture! It was such an incredible film with a deep message,” said Alex Patel, a second-year business technology management student.
In the acting categories, Adrien Brody took home Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in The Brutalist, a moving drama about an architect’s struggle for creative expression. First-year student Ryan Matthews commented, “Adrien Brody deserved that award. His performance was insane—probably the best I’ve seen in years. It was a no-brainer for him to win.” Meanwhile, Best Actress was awarded to Mikey Madison for her performance in Anora, where she portrayed a young woman navigating life’s hardships with resilience.
Moving on to one of the most anticipated categories, Best Director was awarded to Sean Baker for Anora. Winning this award marked a major milestone in Baker’s career, highlighting his ability to craft emotionally compelling narratives.
Is an award show truly complete without its fair share of surprises and snubs? In an unexpected twist, Mickey Madison took home the Actress in a Leading Role award for her role in Anora, leaving many in awe. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, widely expected to win for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked, walked away empty-handed.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Wicked, which, despite its massive popularity and critical acclaim, failed to win major awards outside of Best Original Score and Best Production Design. Fans were especially stunned after witnessing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s breathtaking live performance, where their powerful vocals and flawless execution stole the show. Many noted the moment when Grande stepped back to let Erivo “defy gravity,” a gesture that highlighted their vocal mastery and camaraderie. “I can’t believe Wicked didn’t win more! That performance from Cynthia and Ariana was insane—I could tell their mics were on,” said Ania Donachy-Taylor, a second-year social work major. “It just goes to show that no matter how incredible the performance is, the Academy doesn’t always get it right.”
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Adrien Brody delivered a heartfelt speech, dedicating his award to his late mentor. “This award is for the people who believed in me, even when I doubted myself,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. The moment brought many in the audience to tears.
As the evening came to a close, film lovers were already looking ahead to next year’s contenders. Whether you were moved by the speeches or swept up in the excitement, one thing was clear—the magic of movies continues to bring people together.
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