The 97th Academy Awards: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence (NO SPOILERS)

By Sumin Lee

A blast from the past, with class and style reminiscent of the glory days of cinema, the 2025 Academy Awards arrived to celebrate the pivotal moment in cinematic history where contemporary cinema is complemented by a masterclass in acting, cinematography, production, and more. With innovations to technology and the challenging of traditional storytelling, the 97th ceremony held on March 2nd, promised to highlight those who are representing the ever growing role of cinema in culture. 

Moreover, the preceding year had been remarkable for global cinema. Independent productions challenged studio blockbusters, streaming platforms continued to redefine distribution models, and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds brought unprecedented perspectives to storytelling. This rich context set the stage for an Academy Awards ceremony that would celebrate innovation, representation, and artistic courage.

The Importance of Defining “Entertainment” with an Entertainer

Although often overlooked due to the prominence of the awards during the celebration of the Academy Awards, a good host’s presence is a necessity that was shown incredibly well demonstrated through Conan O’Brien. Compared to past hosts (Jimmy Kimmel in 2024), the performance of Conan defined the 2025 Oscars early on, as a breath of fresh air, turning away from the bland personalities and irritating cadence which has infested the most exciting night of cinema of the year. Comparable to Billy Crystal’s performance, which looking back, seems like a different program altogether, Conan truly gave the audience something to tune into. Conan provided the audience a demonstration of the art of comedy and hosting, of the balance and masterclass in irony which is required to insult the actor without insulting the person, of poking fun without insulting the art of cinema. With his exciting performance and commentary, Conan gave the audience something to laugh and have a fun time, not just for those watching from home, but the nerve wrecked actors.

“Anora”: Reclaiming the Artistry behind Cinema

“Anora deepens and darkens with each twist and turn and provides a violent corrective to so many Hollywood fairy tales”

–Xan Brooks, Guardian

Sean Baker’s “Anora” was undoubtedly the “Oscar jackpot” as it emerged with five prestigious awards and captured the imagination of both critics and audiences. However, the film’s success was not merely about its number of wins, but about what it represented— quite literally a triumph of intimate, character-driven storytelling in an era dominated by spectacle over story.

With the focus on marginalized characters and exploring the inner workings of their worlds, Baker’s directorial approach was nothing short of groundbreaking. He defied typical Hollywood narratives, instead choosing to approach his movie with remarkable sensitivity and depth that won him his well deserved award for Best Director. The transformation of seemingly ordinary lives and characters into extraordinary cinematic experiences which is seen through only the most intense and fanatics films, and this movie was absolutely a testament to Baker’s ability. All the while challenging viewers to look beyond surface-level narratives Baker demonstrated the complexities of human experiences, providing an introspective film which allowed viewers to truly live the lives of its characters.

As one of the few directors and visionaries currently active who actively support the production of films from more independent sources rather than larger corporations, this Oscar win wasn’t just a recognition of Baker’s talents, rather it was one of most significant moment for the future of cinema.

-Sean Baker accepting his Oscar

The Talent behind Characters

I cannot count the amount of times that I’ve watched a movie with someone and they’ve exclaimed, “what a fantastic actor!” However, what defines good acting from bad acting? Is it the ability to so completely become one character that one’s identity becomes one to one with their character? Or is it much simpler, is it purely the ability to demonstrate the soul of a character, so completely that the audience no longer thinks that you are acting, but you are rather living. People want to relate, they want to revere, they want to adore, and what better and easier way is there than watching an incredible actor perform their art.

Best Actress Award: Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison’s portrayal in “Anora” was nothing short of revelatory. Her performance transcended traditional acting, offering a multilayered exploration of human vulnerability, resilience, and complexity. Critics noted her ability to convey profound emotional landscapes through subtle gestures and understated intensity. 

“[Mikey Madison’s portrayal is] a blend of tough, profane humor, feral intelligence and cynical calculation, with pathos and heartbreak added in at the end,”

–Tom Gliatto, People Magazine

Mikey Madison was most definitely a demonstration of the talent of a new generation of actors who are bringing a level of authenticity to the craft of acting. This only makes the world eagerly anticipate her next film even more.

-Mikey Madison

Best Supporting Actor Award: Kieran Culkin

Kieran Culkin clinched his first Oscar for Best Actor, cementing his place among Hollywood’s finest. Known for his sharp, emotionally charged performances, Culkin captivated audiences with his portrayal of a complex and equally compelling character in “A Real Pain.” With an acceptance speech full of emotions, ranging from gratitude and humor, Kieran truly highlighted his presence as a dramatic actor after a decades long career within the industry.

-Kieran Culkin

Best Actor Award: Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody’s second Oscar, awarded for his performance in “The Brutalist,” further solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. His portrayal of an architect navigating the emotional and physical devastation of post-war Europe was a masterclass in restrained yet powerful acting. What can we truly say about Adrien Brody, but simply that he really is the few breeds of actors that we can confidently state is a “movie star,” defining this title with his aura. Although words cannot fully depict his deeply profound performance, Brody brought a level of historical complexity to his character which only supported the exploration of the themes of reconstruction, personal trauma, and human resilience.

-Adrien Brody

We cannot ignore something so significant…

Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres has once again proven her immense talent with her nomination for Best Actress, a recognition that highlights her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role she takes on. Known for her bold performances and dedication to storytelling, Torres captivates audiences with her emotional intensity and nuanced portrayals. Her performance was praised for its depth, emotional intelligence, and ability to bring nuanced Latin American experiences to a global audience. This nomination not only solidifies her status as one of Brazil’s most outstanding actresses but also celebrates her impact on international cinema. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations, her artistry remains an inspiration to audiences and actors.

-Fernanda Torres

International Cinema: A Growing Global Narrative

The success of “I’m Still Here” (beating over the dumpster fire that was Emilia Perez) in the Best International Feature category was a landmark moment for Brazilian cinema. It represented a growing recognition of storytelling from regions traditionally marginalized in global film narratives. This win underscored the Academy’s commitment to celebrating diverse cinematic voices and acknowledging the rich, complex stories emerging from different cultural contexts.

Furthermore, the animation film “Flow” had beaten the animation industry giants. This was one of the greatest highlights of the night and demonstrated the shift in cinema that may be impending. With the introduction and celebration of independent productions of art which will bring forth a new age of cinema. 

The Broader Cultural Significance

Beyond the awards themselves, the 97th Academy Awards represented a moment of cultural reflection. It was a celebration of cinema’s power to challenge perspectives, bridge cultural divides, and illuminate the complexity of human experience. The ceremony demonstrated that film is not just entertainment, but a profound medium for understanding ourselves and each other.

In the end

As the evening concluded, it was clear that the 2025 Academy Awards transcended traditional celebration. It was a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the continuous evolution of global cinema. From intimate character studies to groundbreaking nominations, from musical performances to historic wins, the ceremony captured the dynamic, ever-changing spirit of filmmaking. It honored not just the year’s best films, but the boundless potential of human creativity, empathy, and artistic expression. In the end, the 97th Academy Awards will be remembered not just as an awards show, but as a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of global cinema—a night that celebrated our shared human stories in all their beautiful, complex diversity.