During March, the most award-heavy time of the year, the Academy Awards—commonly known as the Oscars—serve as a major celebration of the immense craft and hard work that goes into creating entertainment for viewers. Achievements across up to 24 categories are acknowledged, recognizing the Best of the Best from the previous year. Many dedicated directors, actors, and actresses are celebrated for bringing life and reality to the screen, with the most popular categories being Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role and Best Picture.
Adrien Brody kicked off the night by claiming the Best Actor award for his performance in “The Brutalist.” He competed against notable nominees such as Timothée Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, Ralph Fiennes, and Colman Domingo. Many fans expressed disappointment over Chalamet’s loss, particularly due to his commitment to filming “A Complete Unknown,” with some believing Chalamet deserved the award over Brody. When accepting his award, Brody was seen tossing his gum to his girlfriend and delivering the longest acceptance speech in Academy Awards history.
Twenty-five-year-old Mikey Madison also made history by becoming one of the youngest winners of Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her performance in the indie film, “Anor,” seemed to be highly favored by the Academy, earning multiple awards throughout the night. Madison faced stiff competition from nominees such as Cynthia Erivo, Karbala Sofía Gascón, Dernana Torres, and major contender Demi Moore. Madison’s victory over Moore, the frontrunner for her performance in “The Substance,” came as a surprise to many, given Moore’s widespread critical acclaim.
Perhaps one of the most controversial wins of the night was in the Best Picture category, where the indie film, “Anora,” took home the top honor. Directed by Sean Baker, who also won Best Director, “Anora” claimed additional awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. The film swept past crowd favorites like “Dune: Part Two,” “A Complete Unknown,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked.” With a modest production budget of only $6 million, “Anora” demonstrated that exceptional craft and storytelling don’t rely on a hefty budget.
Amid the controversy, the night ultimately showcased the dedication and effort put into performances and technical achievements by major creators, leaving audiences with films to enjoy and remember.
