The 97th Academy Awards, held in 2025, will be remembered as one of the most memorable in cinema history. With Conan O'Brien as the host, the gala was infused with intelligent humor and warmth that captivated everyone present. Although his characteristic red hair drew attention, the true stars were the films and artists who shone on a night full of emotions and surprises.
The Triumph of the Unexpected
One of the most impactful moments of the evening was the victory of Flow, an animated film directed by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the award for Best Animated Feature. This moving story of a cat in a flooded world captivated both audiences and critics alike. On the other hand, Dune: Part Two, the second installment of Denis Villeneuve's epic trilogy, dominated the technical categories, winning awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Design. Both films demonstrated that cinema, whether animated or live-action, has the power to transport audiences to completely new worlds.
"Art knows no borders, and we saw it clearly tonight."
A Last-Minute Journey
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the victory of Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi, Iranian directors of In the Shadow of the Cypress, who won the award for Best Animated Short Film. Their arrival in Los Angeles was almost a miracle, as they obtained their visas just hours before the ceremony. Their film, a poetic and deeply human tale, resonated with the audience and the Academy, reminding us that art transcends any barrier.
Performances That Left a Mark
In the acting categories, surprises were plentiful. Mikey Madison won the award for Best Actress for her role in Anora, while Kieran Culkin won as Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody was recognized as Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Each of these artists demonstrated that acting is an art that goes beyond words, connecting with the audience on a deep emotional level.
The Power of Original Stories
In the category of Best Original Screenplay, Sean Baker triumphed with Anora, a film that explored universal themes with unique sensitivity. On the other hand, Conclave, adapted by Peter Straughan, won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Both films demonstrated that, whether through original or adapted stories, cinema has the power to reflect the complexity of the human condition.
A Memorable Closing
The night culminated with the presentation of the award for Best Picture, which was awarded to Anora. Produced by Sean Baker, Alex Coco, and Samantha Quan, the film encapsulated everything that makes cinema great: powerful narratives, memorable performances, and impeccable direction. With this golden finale, the Oscars 2025 not only celebrated cinema but also reminded the world that, even in difficult times, art remains a beacon of hope and connection.
- Flow: An animated story that moved the world.
- Dune: Part Two: A triumph in visual effects and sound design.
- In the Shadow of the Cypress: A short film that transcended borders.
- Anora: A film that won it all.
In short, the Oscars 2025 were a celebration of cinema at its finest, reminding us why the seventh art remains one of the most powerful ways to tell stories and connect with human emotions.