The 2025 Academy Awards saw Anora dominate the night, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.
What happened at the Oscars?
The low-budget comedy-drama, which follows a sex worker who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before becoming the fourth Palme d’Or winner to claim the top Oscar prize.
Director Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars in one night, taking home Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing alongside the Best Picture award.
During his speech, Baker acknowledged the sex worker community, stating:
“They have shared their stories, they have shared their life experiences over the years. My deepest respect, I share this with you.”
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Brutalist, while Kieran Culkin claimed Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Zoe Saldaña took Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
Demi Moore, previously favoured to win Best Actress for The Substance, lost to Madison, marking one of the night’s biggest surprises.
The Substance won Best Makeup and Hairstyling, its only victory of the night. Conclave, which was seen as Anora’s biggest competitor, won only Best Adapted Screenplay.
Host Conan O’Brien added a comedic touch to the night, joking about Anora’s success:
“I guess Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” earning thunderous applause.
Here’s the complete list of 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
COSTUME DESIGN
🏆 Wicked
DIRECTING
🏆 Sean Baker (Anora)
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
🏆 No Other Land
DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
🏆 The Only Girl in the Orchestra
FILM EDITING
🏆 Sean Baker (Anora)
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
🏆 Brazil (I’m Still Here)
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
🏆 The Substance
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
🏆 The Brutalist
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
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
🏆 Sean Baker (Anora)