The Oscars ceremony unfolded with Netflix's crime musical Emilia Pérez leading the night with an impressive 13 nominations, marking the highest ever for a non-English language film. However, it was the films Anora and The Brutalist that emerged victorious, each clinching five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. Mikey Madison's portrayal in Anora earned her the Best Actress trophy, while Adrien Brody captured his second Best Actor accolade for his role in Brady Corbet’s postwar drama The Brutalist.
The evening commenced with a tribute to Los Angeles, featuring iconic film clips from La La Land and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It set the stage for a night of celebration and reflection on cinematic achievements. Morgan Freeman took a moment to remember the passing of a significant figure in the industry.
“This week, this community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend,” – Morgan Freeman
The film Anora, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival last year, follows the intriguing story of Mikey Madison's character, a sex worker who marries into a Russian oligarch family. Its triumph as Best Picture makes it the fourth Palme d’Or winner to claim the Oscar, highlighting its critical acclaim and appeal.
Sean Baker’s The Brutalist also shared the spotlight by winning five awards, including Best Picture. Baker expressed gratitude to those who inspired and supported his work.
“They have shared their stories, they have shared their life experiences over the years, my deepest respect, I share this with you,” – Sean Baker
He further encouraged filmmakers to continue creating for theater audiences.
“Keep making films for the big screen” – Sean Baker
Adrien Brody's victory marks a poignant moment in his career, having first won Best Actor in 2003 for The Pianist. His role in The Brutalist reaffirmed his prowess as an actor capable of delivering powerful performances.
The competition for Best Picture was fierce, with Conclave, considered Anora's strongest rival, settling for a single win in Best Adapted Screenplay. Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez, despite its numerous nominations, did not secure the International Feature award, which went to the Brazilian drama I’m Still Here.
In a historic moment, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for Costume Design for his work on the musical Wicked, which also garnered an award for Production Design. Whoopi Goldberg highlighted the significance of this achievement.
“When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy,” – Whoopi Goldberg
Other notable wins included Dune: Part Two, which excelled in technical categories, earning Oscars for Sound and Visual Effects. The evening also saw Kieran Culkin continue his awards streak by securing Best Supporting Actor for his role in the comedy-drama A Real Pain.
Zoe Saldaña delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating her heritage and resilience in the industry.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” – Zoe Saldaña
Conan O'Brien addressed ongoing challenges faced by Los Angeles but emphasized the perseverance of the entertainment community.
“Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work continues,” – Conan O'Brien
Mikey Madison took the opportunity to acknowledge and support the sex worker community, reflecting the broader themes of her winning film.
“I also just want to also recognise and honour the sex worker community,” – Mikey Madison
“I will continue to support and be an ally,” – Mikey Madison