The 97th Academy Awards took place this Sunday, March 2nd, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the culmination of the 2025 awards season. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best in film while also paying tribute to the Los Angeles community and its resilience in the face of recent wildfires.

A Night for "Anora"

Sean Baker's dramedy, "Anora," emerged as the night's big winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. This achievement positions Baker alongside Walt Disney as one of the few individuals to win four Oscars for the same film in a single night.

Madison, in her acceptance speech, acknowledged the sex worker community, which is a key element and subject of the film, expressing her support and alliance. Baker also honored the community, thanking them for sharing their stories and life experiences, noting their influence on the film's realism.

Other Notable Wins

Performances and Tributes

The ceremony opened with a performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, featuring songs from "The Wizard of Oz," "The Wiz," and "Wicked." The show also paid tribute to the late Gene Hackman, with a heartfelt homage from Morgan Freeman, and to Quincy Jones, with a performance led by Queen Latifah.

A Bond-themed segment featured performances by Lisa (Blackpink), Doja Cat, and Raye, and was introduced by Halle Berry. However, the absence of any news regarding the next James Bond frustrated some viewers, given the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the next 007 actor and direction of the franchise.

Red Carpet and Fashion Highlights

The red carpet saw a variety of fashion choices, with stars like Ariana Grande, Demi Moore, Elle Fanning, and Zoe Saldaña making striking sartorial statements. Timothée Chalamet's lemon yellow suit and Colman Domingo's bright red ensemble added splashes of color to the event.

Controversy and Politics

Karla Sofía Gascón's presence at the awards was tinged with controversy due to past social media activity. Additionally, the acceptance speech for Best Documentary Feature, "No Other Land," saw filmmakers calling for justice and highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians, adding a political dimension to the ceremony.

Additional Memorable Moments

Despite the length of the show, Conan O'Brien received positive reviews for his hosting debut, balancing humor with sincerity. While the 97th Academy Awards celebrated cinematic achievements, it also reflected broader social and political themes, making it a memorable and significant event.