The Glorious 2025 Oscars: A Night of Shocking Wins, Groundbreaking Achievements, and Historic Firsts

1. The Historic Best Picture Win: Anora Dominates the Night

In what could only be described as a night to remember for director Sean Baker and his team, Anora swept the 2025 Oscars, winning the coveted Best Picture award. The film, which blends evocative storytelling with a unique visual aesthetic, captivated audiences throughout the awards season. The emotional depth of the characters and the intricate exploration of human nature resonated with both the Academy voters and the public, catapulting it to the forefront of this year’s nominations.

Directed by Sean Baker, known for his previous work in indie cinema such as The Florida Project and Tangerine, Anora explores complex themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. It tells the story of a woman named Anora who struggles with her past while trying to navigate a future that seems increasingly out of her control. The film’s unflinching portrayal of emotional turmoil, combined with strong performances from its ensemble cast, made it an easy pick for Best Picture.

However, the real shocker of the night wasn’t just the film’s win in this category, but the overwhelming presence it had in multiple other categories. It secured a total of four Academy Awards, making it one of the most decorated films of the year. With its unprecedented sweep, Anora has firmly established itself as a modern cinematic classic, ushering in a new era of storytelling that emphasizes both depth and accessibility.

2. Mikey Madison’s Groundbreaking Best Actress Win for Anora

One of the most anticipated categories of the night was Best Actress, and this year’s winner, Mikey Madison, delivered an unforgettable performance in Anora. Madison’s portrayal of the titular character not only earned her the Academy Award but also solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses.

In her acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude to director Sean Baker, her fellow cast members, and, most importantly, the fans who supported the film. Her performance in Anora was nothing short of a revelation—her ability to switch between vulnerability and strength, capturing the depth of her character’s emotional journey, left a lasting impact on audiences.

Madison’s win was particularly notable because it came at the expense of other seasoned actresses, such as Demi Moore, who was a favorite to win for her role in The Queen’s Gambit adaptation. Moore’s career has been a staple in the industry for decades, but Madison’s portrayal of Anora was seen as groundbreaking and fresh, adding an entirely new layer to the notion of what a leading female role could look like. Her performance was raw, fearless, and reflective of an evolving cinematic landscape that values nuance over traditional portrayals of femininity.

3. Adrien Brody’s Redemption: Best Actor for The Brutalist

After years of being one of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed but less commercially successful actors, Adrien Brody finally won his first Academy Award for Best Actor at the 2025 Oscars for his role in The Brutalist. The film, which explores the complex psyche of a brilliant architect battling with his inner demons, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

Brody’s performance was hailed as a career-defining achievement, showcasing his range as an actor who can effortlessly transition from the intense emotional depth of The Pianist to the complex, morally ambiguous character in The Brutalist. His portrayal of the architect, a man who grapples with the responsibilities of genius and the weight of his actions, was both gripping and tragic, and his win at the Oscars was the culmination of a career that has spanned decades.

For Brody, the win was both a personal and professional triumph. Having been previously nominated but never winning an Oscar, his victory was seen as a well-deserved moment of redemption. This win also speaks to the broader trend in the industry: a growing recognition of performances that may not fit the typical mold of what’s considered an “Oscar-worthy” role. Brody’s success in this particular role has sparked conversations about how the Academy is beginning to shift its lens to celebrate a wider variety of performances.

4. Supporting Roles Steal the Show: Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña’s Wins

While the lead categories garnered much attention, the Supporting Actor and Actress awards proved to be just as captivating. Kieran Culkin’s win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Tragedy of Midnight was one of the evening’s most talked-about moments. Culkin, known for his work in Succession, brought a quiet intensity to his character, adding layers of complexity and vulnerability to a supporting role that could have easily been overshadowed by the film’s lead.

In her acceptance speech, Zoe Saldaña—who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Forgotten Tribe—shared her gratitude for the diverse and empowering roles being offered to women of color in Hollywood. Saldaña, who has been a staple in major franchise films like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, delivered a nuanced performance that resonated with both critics and audiences. Her portrayal of a strong yet tender character navigating cultural conflict was a standout, earning her a much-deserved win.

Both Culkin and Saldaña’s victories are indicative of a shift in how supporting roles are viewed by the Academy. Historically, these categories have often been dominated by actors in more “showy” or flamboyant roles, but the 2025 Oscars showcased how nuanced and subtle performances can also win over voters. This year, the emphasis on emotional depth and character development was clear, with Culkin and Saldaña’s wins signaling a move toward recognizing a wider spectrum of acting talent.

5. History-Making Moments: Breaking Barriers in Costume Design and More

While the acting and directing categories typically steal the spotlight at the Oscars, the 2025 ceremony also saw several historical moments in technical and design categories. One of the most groundbreaking wins of the night was Paul Tazewell’s win for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell made history as the first Black designer to win in this category, a monumental achievement that further highlights the growing diversity in Hollywood’s creative industries.

Tazewell’s costumes for Wicked were an integral part of the film’s world-building, helping to bring the magical, otherworldly atmosphere of the Wicked universe to life in a way that felt both whimsical and grounded. His win was a major moment of recognition for Black artists in the field of costume design, a category that has long been underrepresented by people of color.

The 2025 Oscars also featured several other milestones in technical categories, with films like Dune: Part Two sweeping the awards for Best Visual Effects and Emilia Pérez winning Best International Feature. These wins, while perhaps not as flashy as the acting awards, were equally significant in recognizing the incredible craftsmanship behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. As Hollywood continues to evolve, these moments are a testament to the widening inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents across all areas of filmmaking.

From: Hvgiftnest