Anora Shocks Oscars 2025 with 5 Wins, Adrien Brody Triumphs

Anora Stuns Oscars 2025 with 5 Wins as Adrien Brody and Zoe Saldaña Shine

The 97th Academy Awards was a night of glitz, surprises, and unforgettable moments, but the biggest shocker came from “Anora,” which walked away with five awards, including Best Picture. Sean Baker’s indie masterpiece about a Brooklyn sex worker navigating love and power stole the spotlight, leaving Hollywood in awe.

The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood buzzed with excitement as stars dazzled on the red carpet. The night, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, featured emotional tributes, stellar performances, and historic wins.

Anora’s Triumph: Five Awards and an Emotional Victory Speech

Sean Baker’s “Anora” had a night to remember. The film took home awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Baker, visibly emotional, thanked the Academy for recognizing independent cinema.

“This film was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists. Long live independent film,” Baker said as the audience erupted in applause.

Mikey Madison, who played the lead role of Ani, won Best Lead Actress in what many considered the biggest upset of the night. Demi Moore was widely expected to take the award, but Madison’s gripping performance won over the voters.

In her speech, Madison honored sex workers, stating, “I will continue to support and be an ally. Meeting real-life workers in this community was one of the highlights of my career.”

Adrien Brody Makes History with Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody, who became the youngest-ever Best Actor winner in 2003 for “The Pianist,” secured his second Oscar for his powerful performance in “The Brutalist.” The film tells the story of a Hungarian Jewish architect rebuilding his life in post-war America.

Walking onto the stage, Brody realized he had gum in his mouth and humorously tried to toss it to his partner. The moment drew laughter, but his speech quickly turned serious as he reflected on his career’s ups and downs.

“In this industry, it can all go away in an instant,” Brody said. “I pray for a healthier, happier, and more inclusive world. If history teaches us anything, it’s that hate must never go unchecked.”

Zoe Saldaña’s First Oscar Win Marks a Career High

After years of critically acclaimed performances, Zoe Saldaña finally earned her first Oscar. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a musical drama that also took home Best Original Song.

Her emotional acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to perseverance and dedication. “This award is for every actor who has ever felt unseen. Keep pushing, keep dreaming,” Saldaña said.

Tributes and Heartfelt Moments

The ceremony also paid tribute to Hollywood legends who passed away. Morgan Freeman led a heartfelt moment honoring Gene Hackman, who died last week. The In Memoriam segment included Donald Sutherland, Teri Garr, Shelley Duvall, David Lynch, and James Earl Jones.

The night’s musical performances added an extra layer of emotion. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande wowed the audience with classics from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked.” Later, Queen Latifah honoured the late Quincy Jones with a stunning performance of “Ease On Down the Road.”

Streaming Glitches Frustrate Viewers

While the night was filled with triumphs, some viewers had a frustrating experience. Hulu’s livestream of the Oscars cut off moments before the final award, leaving many in shock.

Screens displayed the message, “This live event has now ended.” It was the second major glitch of the night, prompting angry reactions online.

Disney, which owns Hulu, later issued an apology. “We regret the inconvenience and have identified the issue. Impacted users should now be able to log back in,” a Disney representative stated.

Despite the technical mishap, the 97th Academy Awards delivered a night of surprises, emotions, and historic wins.

Final Oscar Tally: Winners List

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners of the night:

• “Anora” – 5 wins (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing)
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• “The Brutalist” – 3 wins (Best Lead Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score)
• “Emilia Pérez” – 2 wins (Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Song)
• “Wicked” – 2 wins (Best Costume Design, Best Production Design)
• “Dune: Part 2” – 2 wins (Best Visual Effects, Best Sound)
• “The Substance” – 1 win (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)
• “A Real Pain” – 1 win (Best Supporting Actor)
• “Conclave” – 1 win (Best Adapted Screenplay)
• “I’m Still Here” – 1 win (Best International Film)

The Oscars 2025 proved once again that anything can happen on Hollywood’s biggest night. From “Anora’s” unexpected dominance to Adrien Brody’s triumphant return, the night was filled with drama, excitement, and history-making wins.

As the curtains closed on another Academy Awards, one thing was clear—cinema remains a powerful force that brings people together.