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The 97th Academy Awards Shockers: How 'Anora' Swept The Board And Who Really Won The 'Best Oscar'

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The question of "who won the best Oscar" is always a source of intense curiosity and debate, but as of the most recent 97th Academy Awards held in 2025, the undisputed answer is the independent cinematic powerhouse, Anora. This film, a romantic comedy-drama directed by Sean Baker, didn't just win the coveted Best Picture trophy; it became the night's biggest story, securing a stunning five major awards and cementing its place as the definitive cinematic achievement of the year.

The 97th Oscars ceremony, which took place in 2025, delivered a series of electrifying moments, from the dominance of a modest-budget indie film to surprising upsets in the major acting categories. This comprehensive guide breaks down the full list of major winners and the context behind their monumental victories, providing the freshest, most up-to-date information on the industry's biggest night.

The Dominance of 'Anora': Best Picture and Sean Baker's Sweep

The biggest winner of the 97th Academy Awards was unequivocally Anora. Directed, written, produced, and edited by the visionary filmmaker Sean Baker, the film walked away with an incredible five Oscars, leading the entire field. Its victory in the Best Picture category—the award most often referred to as "the best Oscar"—was the culmination of a night where the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) wholeheartedly embraced the film's raw, uncompromising, and deeply human storytelling.

The film, which tells the story of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, was a critical darling and an unexpected box office success. Its five wins were:

  • Best Picture (Won by Producers Sean Baker, Alex Coco, and Samantha Quan)
  • Best Director (Won by Sean Baker)
  • Best Actress in a Leading Role (Won by Mikey Madison)
  • Best Original Screenplay (Won by Sean Baker)
  • Best Film Editing (Won by Sean Baker)

Sean Baker's personal haul of four Oscars (Director, Original Screenplay, Editing, and a shared Best Picture) is a remarkable feat, underscoring his complete creative control over the project and establishing him as one of the most important directorial voices of his generation. His win for Best Original Screenplay was particularly lauded, highlighting the film's sharp dialogue and nuanced character development.

The Major Acting Category Winners: Upsets and Triumphs

While Anora took the top prize, the acting categories were shared among several powerful performances, featuring both veteran triumphs and stunning upsets that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Best Actress: Mikey Madison for 'Anora'

The biggest acting shock of the evening was Mikey Madison's win for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of the titular character in Anora. Madison, who was only 25 at the time of the win, delivered a performance praised for its ferocity and emotional depth. Her victory was considered a significant upset over Hollywood veteran Demi Moore, who was heavily favored for her role in another film. Madison's win makes her one of the youngest actresses in history to take home the Best Actress statuette, signaling a major shift in Hollywood's spotlight toward fresh, dynamic talent.

Best Actor: Adrien Brody for 'The Brutalist'

In the Best Actor in a Leading Role category, the award went to the seasoned performer Adrien Brody for his compelling work in the period drama The Brutalist. This marked Brody's second career Oscar for a leading role, solidifying his reputation as an actor who consistently delivers transformative performances. The Brutalist, which also secured three total awards, was a major contender throughout the season, and Brody's win was seen as a well-deserved recognition of his commanding presence and meticulous craft.

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for 'A Real Pain'

After years of acclaimed work on television, including his iconic role as Roman Roy, Kieran Culkin finally secured his first Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film A Real Pain. Culkin's performance as Benji Kaplan, a motor-mouthed American tourist, was a critical favorite and had swept precursor awards. His acceptance speech was a highlight of the night, filled with his signature blend of humor and genuine emotion. His win highlighted the film's nuanced exploration of grief and family dynamics.

Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for 'Emilia Pérez'

The award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role was presented to Zoe Saldaña for her memorable role in the musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez. Saldaña's win, her first Oscar, was a powerful moment that recognized her versatility and commitment to a challenging, genre-bending film. Emilia Pérez, which also picked up other technical awards, was a strong international contender, and Saldaña's victory was a celebrated achievement for the film's ensemble cast and its director, Jacques Audiard.

The Screenplay Triumphs: Original vs. Adapted

The screenplay categories are often the best indicators of a film's overall quality and narrative strength, and the 97th Oscars rewarded distinct and compelling writing in both divisions.

Best Original Screenplay

As noted, Sean Baker won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Anora. This win was a testament to the film's unique voice and its ability to blend dark comedy with genuine emotion, tackling complex social issues with a refreshing lack of judgment. The screenplay was praised for its tight structure and the memorable, multi-layered characters that Mikey Madison and the supporting cast brought to life.

Best Adapted Screenplay

The award for Best Adapted Screenplay went to Peter Straughan for his work on the papal thriller Conclave. Based on the novel by Robert Harris, Straughan's screenplay was lauded for its deft handling of the book's intricate political and religious themes, translating a dense narrative into a taut, suspenseful cinematic experience. The win for Conclave highlighted the enduring power of literary adaptation when handled by a skilled dramatist.

Topical Authority: The 97th Academy Awards in Context

The 97th Academy Awards (2025) will be remembered as the year a true independent film, made for a modest budget, managed to dominate the industry's most prestigious awards. The success of Anora, which was nominated for six Academy Awards and won five, is a powerful reminder that compelling storytelling and raw artistic vision can triumph over blockbuster budgets and traditional Hollywood machinery.

Other notable winners and entities from the ceremony included:

  • The Brutalist: Secured three awards in total, including Best Actor.
  • Dune: Part Two: While a major box office success and a visual spectacle, it did not take home any of the major "above-the-line" awards, though it was a strong nominee in the technical categories.
  • Wicked: The musical adaptation was a major nominee in several categories, winning a few technical awards, but ultimately was overshadowed by Anora.

The 97th Academy Awards showcased a diverse range of cinematic achievement, from the intimate, character-driven work of Sean Baker to the epic scale of major studio productions. The question of "who won the best Oscar" is answered with a clear nod to Anora, a film that resonated with critics and voters alike for its fearless originality and brilliant performances, particularly the breakout, Oscar-winning role from Mikey Madison.

The 97th Academy Awards Shockers: How 'Anora' Swept the Board and Who Really Won the 'Best Oscar'
who won the best oscar
who won the best oscar

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