OSCARS AWARDS
NEWS
Long live independent cinema!
Sean Baker, who won Oscars for directing, film editing, original screenplay and best picture for Anora, poses in the press room during the 97th Academy Awards. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.
Last Sunday, all eyes were on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the stage for one of the most anticipated and glamorous nights of the year: the Academy Awards gala. This event, which generates worldwide excitement, brought together some of the hottest stars in the industry and celebrated the best of cinematic talent.
Ariana Grande opened the gala with a mesmerizing rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, followed by a stunning performance of Defying Gravity alongside her co-star Cynthia Erivo, bringing the entire theater to its feet. This number not only honored the magical world of Wicked but also reaffirmed that there is no note beyond their reach. Shortly after, Conan O’Brien, the host of this 97th edition of the awards, made his entrance with a witty gag inspired by The Substance, one of the films that has undoubtedly left a mark this year.
Adam Sandler’s cameo in a tracksuit among the audience and the Dune sandworm playing the harp were some of the comedic touches that shaped an otherwise fairly restrained evening. Although it wasn’t a particularly politically charged night, one standout moment came when the team behind No Other Land, a Palestinian production, took the stage to accept the award for Best Documentary. In their brief 45 seconds, the creators used their platform to speak out against the destruction of their homeland and call for an end to the conflict.
The ceremony closed out an awards season marked by uncertainty and the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January. However, what came as no surprise were the victories of Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña, who took home the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor and Actress after dominating the previous award shows. Likewise, many had predicted that Flow would triumph as Best Animated Feature against its major competitors—a Latvian gem by Gints Zilbalodis, made on a minimal budget and without dialogue. Its win highlighted the existence of a different kind of high-quality animation beyond the major studios.
Adrien Brody, winner of the Best Actor in a Leading Role for “The Brutalist”, poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre. Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
But if there was one person who owned the night, it was Sean Baker, who made history by winning in four different categories. The Academy recognized him as a director, screenwriter, editor, and producer. Anora, his stunning creation, became the undeniable and absolute winner of the gala, cementing the American filmmaker as one of the most influential creative forces in indie cinema today. In his multiple speeches, Baker took the opportunity to champion the theatrical experience and delivered the message that will stay with us from this edition: "Long live independent cinema!"
It’s true that, since its debut at Cannes, Anora was a strong contender, but it had a tough challenge ahead against the ambitious and daring The Brutalist, as well as Cónclave, the thrilling drama set in the Vatican. Both were among the main cinematic works of 2024, and public opinion had predicted them to win Best Picture. Equally unexpected was the moment when Mikey Madison, the breakout young actress who fully transforms into Anora, took home a statuette that, after an almost unbeatable streak, had Demi Moore’s name already engraved on it.
One person who lived up to expectations was Adrien Brody, the big favorite this season thanks to his acclaimed role as a Hungarian architect. Overwhelmed with emotion, he broke all records for speech length during his thank-you address, in front of a Timothée Chalamet who watched the Oscar slip through his fingers for the second time. His incredible portrayal of Bob Dylan is yet another testament to this young actor's deep commitment and dedication to the art of cinema, who, like his fellow nominees Ralph Fiennes, Sebastian Stan, and Colman Domingo, continues to demonstrate versatility and authenticity in each of his roles.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo 'Wicked' Performance at 97th Oscars 2025.
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