The 2025 Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles, and the night was dominated by Anora, which scooped up the most prestigious honours, making it the standout film of the evening. Other notable winners included Conclave, The Brutalist, Wicked, and Emilia Pérez, which all garnered several accolades, cementing their place in the 2025 cinematic landscape.

Best Picture

The coveted Best Picture award went to Anora, a film that captured both critical acclaim and audience admiration. The other nominees included The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked, all of which showcased a diverse range of genres and styles. However, it was Anora that triumphed, earning the evening’s top prize.

Best Actress

The Best Actress category was claimed by Mikey Madison for her powerful performance in Anora. She triumphed over Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), with her portrayal of a complex character resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Best Actor

Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist. He was up against fierce competition from Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice). Brody’s portrayal of a troubled artist captivated the Academy, earning him this well-deserved recognition.

Best Supporting Actress & Actor

Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez, while Kieran Culkin clinched Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain. Saldaña and Culkin delivered outstanding performances that enhanced the narratives of their respective films, helping them stand out in an already impressive field of nominees.

Best Director

The Best Director award went to Sean Baker for Anora, marking a defining moment in his career. His meticulous direction played a key role in bringing the film’s compelling story to life. Other directors who were nominated for this award included Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown).

Best International Feature

I’m Still Here from Brazil won Best International Feature, triumphing over films like The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), Emilia Pérez (France), The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany), and Flow (Latvia). This poignant Brazilian film resonated on a global scale, bringing home the award for its gripping narrative.

Best Animated Feature

The animated feature category saw Flow take the top prize, a film that amazed both audiences and critics alike. Other animated contenders included Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot. The striking visuals and heartfelt story of Flow ultimately earned it the Oscar.

Best Original Song

The Best Original Song award was claimed by El Mal from Emilia Pérez, an evocative piece that captured the film’s emotional depth. The other nominees included Never Too Late (Elton John: Never Too Late), Mi Camino (Emilia Pérez), Like A Bird (Sing Sing), and The Journey (The Six Triple Eight).

Other Key Wins

The night also saw The Brutalist win Best Cinematography, while Dune: Part Two scooped Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. Wicked dominated in costume design and production design, further showcasing its strong artistic direction. The Substance won Best Makeup and Hairstyling, proving that it was not only a visually impressive film but also a triumph in the technical aspects of filmmaking.

In the short film categories, I’m Not a Robot won Best Live Action Short, while In the Shadow of the Cypress took home the Best Animated Short. The Best Documentary Short award went to The Only Girl in the Orchestra, further enhancing the night’s diverse representation of talent and storytelling.