On March 2 the 97th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and celebrated a diverse range of cinematic achievements, with independent films taking center stage.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony featured notable performances and historic wins, but also sparked discussions and controversies among audiences and critics.
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Madison’s portrayal of a Brooklyn sex worker who impulsively marries an oligarch’s son was lauded for its depth and authenticity.
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role as Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor László Tóth in “The Brutalist,” marking his second Oscar win in this category after 22 years. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña took home awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Saldaña’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted her pride in her immigrant heritage and marked her as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
Additionally, the musical crime drama “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, led the nominations with 13 nods but secured only two awards: Best Supporting Actress for Saldaña and Best Original Song for “El Mal.”
The film faced criticism for its portrayal of Mexican culture and trans identity, leading to debates about representation. Saldaña addressed these concerns in the press room, expressing regret that some Mexicans felt offended and emphasizing that the film aimed to tell a universal story about women’s struggles against systemic oppression.
“Wicked”, directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, was another strong contender with ten nominations. The film secured awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, with Paul Tazewell making history as the first Black man to win in the costume category.
However, it missed out on major categories, including Best Actress, where Erivo was a nominee. Fans expressed disappointment over Erivo’s loss to Madison, sparking discussions on social media about potential snubs.
The outcomes for “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked” led to a flurry of reactions online. Supporters of Erivo voiced their frustration over her loss, highlighting her powerful performance and the film’s cultural impact. Conversely, critics of “Emilia Pérez” reiterated concerns about its cultural representation, questioning the Academy’s decision to honor the film despite the controversies. Saldaña’s win, while celebrated by many, also prompted discussions about the film’s broader implications.
The 2025 Oscars underscored the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where independent films and diverse narratives are gaining prominence. The debate surrounding “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked” reflect the industry’s ongoing challenges in balancing artistic expression with cultural sensitivity. As audiences continue to engage critically with the content they consume, filmmakers and institutions alike are prompted to reflect on their roles in shaping inclusive and respectful storytelling.
