Oscars 2025 round-up: 'Anora' wins big, takes home five statues

Anora, a gripping drama about a New York sex worker who impulsively marries a wealthy Russian client, dominated the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, winning five Oscars including the prestigious Best Picture award.

The film's 25-year-old lead, Mikey Madison, took home the Best Actress honour, while director Sean Baker secured Best Director. The film also earned accolades for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

Made on a modest $6 million budget — a fraction of what most Hollywood blockbusters cost — Anora defied the odds to emerge as the big winner in a highly competitive Oscar race. Other contenders included the papal thriller Conclave, the historical drama The Brutalist, and the musical sensation Wicked.

Baker, known for his work on films about marginalised communities, used his acceptance speech to encourage aspiring filmmakers. "If you're trying to make independent films, please keep doing it. We need more. This is proof," he said.

Mikey Madison’s surprise win

Madison pulled off an unexpected victory over frontrunner Demi Moore, who had been heavily favored to win Best Actress for The Substance. "I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me," Madison said in her acceptance speech. "To be standing here today is really incredible."

She also took a moment to acknowledge the real-life community her character represents. "I want to thank and honour the sex worker community. I will continue to be an ally."

Despite its indie roots, Anora, distributed by Neon, has grossed $40 million worldwide. By contrast, Wicked, one of the year's biggest releases, has earned a staggering $728 million.

Adrien Brody wins Best Actor...again

Brody secured his second Oscar, winning Best Actor for his portrayal of a Jewish immigrant architect chasing the American dream in The Brutalist. His first win came two decades ago for The Pianist, when he was just 29. "Acting is a very fragile profession," Brody reflected. "No matter where you are in your career, it can all go away. I think what makes this most special is the awareness of that."

Supporting actor and actress wins

Zoe Saldana was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as a fixer for a Mexican drug lord in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Perez, released by Netflix. The film also took home Best Original Song for 'El Mal'.

Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, playing one of two cousins traveling to Poland to explore their family roots. During his speech, he playfully referenced a conversation with his wife, Jazz Charton. "I told her I wanted four kids. She joked she'd consider it if I won an Oscar," Culkin said with a grin. "Let's get cracking on those kids!"

Powerful documentary and international wins

The Oscar for Best Documentary Feature went to Israeli-Palestinian production No Other Land, a powerful film depicting Palestinian resistance to Israeli forces demolishing homes in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Best Animated Feature went to the independent film Flow, marking Latvia's first-ever Oscar win. Brazil’s I'm Still Here took home Best International Feature.

Star-studded night of fashion, humour

The ceremony opened with a Wizard of Oz-themed medley performed by nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, featuring the showstopping hit 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked.

Fashion took centre stage on the red carpet, with stars like Grande, Saldana, and Selena Gomez dazzling in metallic and sculptural gowns. Timothée Chalamet turned heads in a bright yellow tuxedo, drawing a quip from host Conan O’Brien: "You will not get hit on your bike tonight."

Midway through the evening, O’Brien invited Los Angeles firefighters onstage to honour their work during the January California wildfires — giving them the spotlight to crack a few jokes of their own. "It's great to be back with Conan," said Pasadena fire captain Jodi Slicker. "Usually when he calls, he's stuck in a tree."

With its mix of surprises, emotional speeches, and memorable moments, this year’s Oscars proved once again why it remains Hollywood’s biggest night.

With agency inputs