The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Indie Triumphs, Emotional Speeches, and Unforgettable Wins
By Natalie McCarty
Hollywood’s biggest night shined a spotlight on independent cinema, as Sean Baker’s Anora took home Best Picture, alongside wins for Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Film Editing. The evening, filled with heartfelt speeches, groundbreaking victories, was a reaffirmation of cinema’s power to provoke, heal, and inspire.
Image Courtesy of The Academy
Anora's Big Moment: Indie Film Reigns Supreme
As Anora was crowned Best Picture, a passionate speech underscored the film’s indie roots and the dedication of its creators:
“I wanna thank the Academy for recognizing a truly independent film. This film was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists, and long live independent film!”
Image Courtesy of The Academy
Sean Baker’s direction of Anora also earned him the Best Director award, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s most daring auteurs. The film’s intimate storytelling and raw performances cemented its place in Oscars history, with Mikey Madison winning Best Actress for her portrayal of a young woman navigating the tumult of unexpected circumstances.
Adrien Brody’s Call for Change
Winning Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, Adrien Brody took the stage for his second Oscar win with a poignant reflection on history and the responsibility of art:
“I'm here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war. And systematic oppression. And of anti-Semitism and racism. And of othering. And I believe that I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it's a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”
Image Courtesy of The Academy
Brody left the audience with a simple but powerful message: “Let’s fight for what’s right. Keep smiling, keep loving one another. And let’s rebuild together. Thank you.”
Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Shine in Supporting Roles
The Best Supporting Actor category saw Kieran Culkin take home the award for A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña was recognized for Emilia Pérez, a film that also took home Best Original Song for “El Mal.” Both actors delivered interesting speeches, with Saldaña dedicating her win to those who persist despite adversity, while Culkin spoke mostly about his wife and his desire to “get cracking” on two more kids.
Lol Crawley’s Masterful Cinematography in The Brutalist
Cinematographer Lol Crawley, who I just saw speak at the Academy Museum about his approach to visual storytelling, won for The Brutalist. He graciously acknowledged the trust placed in him by the director, Brady Corbet:
“Finally, thank you to Brady for trusting me, allowing me to sail close to the edge and offer your hand if I ever fell in.”
Image Courtesy of The Academy
A Night of Firsts and Lasting Legacies
Other notable wins included Flow for Best Animated Feature, No Other Land for Best Documentary Feature, and I'm Still Here (Brazil) for Best International Feature Film. Paul Tazewell’s costume design in Wicked was also recognized, as was Dune: Part Two for its sound and visual effects mastery.
Here’s a full rundown of the night’s winners:
Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Actor in a Supporting Role: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison (Anora)
Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Animated Feature Film: Flow
Animated Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress
Cinematography: The Brutalist (Lol Crawley)
Costume Design: Wicked (Paul Tazewell)
Directing: Sean Baker (Anora)
Documentary Feature Film: No Other Land
Documentary Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Film Editing: Anora (Sean Baker)
International Feature Film: I'm Still Here (Brazil)
Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
Music (Original Score): The Brutalist (Daniel Blumberg)
Music (Original Song): “El Mal” (Emilia Pérez)
Best Picture: Anora
Production Design: Wicked
Live Action Short Film: I'm Not a Robot
Sound: Dune: Part Two
Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Conclave (Peter Straughan)
Writing (Original Screenplay): Anora (Sean Baker)
As the credits roll on the 97th Academy Awards, one thing is certain: this was a night that honored bold storytelling, independent spirit, and the power of film to challenge, move, and inspire audiences worldwide.
