Anora Shines Bright: Highlights from the 2025 Oscars Ceremony

On Sunday night, the glittering lights of the 2025 Oscars illuminated the stage, marking a memorable evening in Hollywood. Film lovers gathered to celebrate the art of movies, but one film truly shone brighter than the rest. That film was Anora, which stole the spotlight and walked away with several prestigious awards, setting off a flurry of excitement and conversation.

The 2025 Oscars: Heavy on speeches, light on politics, and one big winner

The 2025 Oscars were remarkable not just for the stunning performances, but also for the emotional speeches delivered by the winners. Hosted by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, the ceremony felt like a warm gathering of friends rather than a high-pressure event. With awardees sharing heartfelt stories, many moments left the audience reaching for the tissues.

A lot of films were recognized, but it was Anora’s night

With a total of four wins, Anora emerged as the clear star of the night. It took home the coveted Best Picture award along with accolades for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing, all going to Sean Baker. Viewers were thrilled, watching as Baker and his team celebrated their hard work and dedication reflected on stage.

There was only one real surprise

While many expected Anora to dominate the night, there was a twist in the Best Actress award. Mikey Madison clinched the title for her standout performance in Anora, which initially surprised fans who believed Demi Moore was a strong contender. However, Madison’s touching portrayal won over both critics and the audience alike, proving that sometimes the best performances come from unexpected places.

People talked a lot—but rarely about politics

This year’s ceremony took a refreshing turn by focusing on the art of filmmaking, steering clear of heavy political discussions. Instead, winners shared stories of creativity and passion for their craft, revealing the human side of the film industry. The lighter tone of the evening allowed attendees and viewers at home to focus solely on the talents being recognized, leaving behind the stress of current events.

The winner for best documentary feature still has no U.S. distribution

This year’s award for Best Documentary Feature went to No Other Land, a film that highlights important issues but currently lacks distribution within the United States. This situation leaves many audiences craving to see it, raising an interesting discussion about how some important stories find obstacles in reaching viewers.

Rarely does a movie go through as much of a change in fortunes as Emilia Pérez

Another talking point of the evening was the journey of the film Emilia Pérez. From initial skepticism over its prospects, this movie transformed into a celebrated gem on the big screen. The journey it took mirrors the paths of many struggling filmmakers, showcasing resilience and the importance of belief in one’s work.

Nobody missed the songs

Interestingly, this year’s ceremony did not feature the traditional performances of Best Original Song nominees. Instead, the focus was on the awards and the heartfelt speeches. While some fans might have missed the musical numbers, many felt that the absence allowed more time for speeches filled with genuine emotion and appreciation for the craft.

Hosting is still very hard; Conan was up to it

No awards show is complete without a skilled host to guide the audience through the night. Conan O’Brien showcased his humor and charm, effortlessly engaging the crowd while keeping the event flowing smoothly. Despite the challenges of keeping such a significant event lively, his performance was a highlight in itself.

The structure left a little more time to speak from the heart

This year’s Oscars seemed designed to create an intimate environment, where winners could express their gratitude and share meaningful stories. The organization of the ceremony allowed for more heartfelt moments, letting viewers connect with the emotions behind the accomplishments of these remarkable artists.