97th Oscars winners: ‘Anora’ bags 5 awards

THERE is always one film that leads winners of the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, each year. 

The romantic-comedy film “Anora” dominated the 97th edition this year, taking home the most awards on Monday (Philippine time).

The 2024 movie, topbilled by Gen Z actress Mikey Madison, won five awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Actress for Madison.

“Anora” follows a 23-year-old stripper named Anora “Ani” Mikheeva (played by Madison), who impulsively marries Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov (portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn), the young son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. But their wedding news is soon learned by Ani’s mother and godfather, who are determined to get the couple annulled.

This is Madison’s first Oscar win, making her one of the youngest best actresses named in Academy history.

Following “Anora” with the most wins is the 2024 period drama film “The Brutalist,” receiving three awards: Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Actor for Adrian Brody. 

In “The Brutalist,” Brody gave life to László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survived the Holocaust.

This is Brody’s second Best Actor Award from the Oscars. He first won the accolade at the 75th Oscars for his portrayal in the 2002 biographical drama film “The Pianist.” He was only 29 then, making him the youngest actor to win the top acting award.

Here are the full winners at the 97th Oscars:

• Best Picture – “Anora”
• Best Director – Sean Baker of “Anora”
• Best Actress – Mikey Madison of “Anora”
• Best Actor – Adrien Brody of “The Brutalist”
• Best Cinematography – “The Brutalist”
• Best Visual Effects – “Dune: Part Two”
• Best Sound – “Dune: Part Two”
• Best Film Editing – “Anora”
• Best Production Design – “Wicked”
• Best Animated Feature – “Flow”
• Best International Feature – “I’m Still Here” from Brazil
• Best Documentary Short Film – “The Only Girl in the Orchestra”
• Best Documentary Feature Film – “No Other Land”
• Best Original Song – “El Mal” from “Emilia Pèrez”
• Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña of “Emilia Pèrez”
• Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin of “A Real Pain”
• Best Original Screenplay – “Anora”
• Best Adapted Screenplay – “Conclave”
• Best Animated Short Film – “In the Shadow of the Cypress”
• Best Live-Action Short Film – “I’m Not a Robot”
• Best Original Score – “The Brutalist”
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling – “The Substance”
• Best Costume Design – “Wicked”

Oscars 2025 performances

Another talk of the town on social media on Monday is the live performance of “Defying Gravity” by “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Erivo and Grande gave viewers goosebumps when they joined hands on the stage to sing the crowd-favorite song from the 2024 musical fantasy film in their white and red gowns, respectively. Grande briefly left the center stage, giving the spotlight to Erivo as she belted out Elphaba’s battle cry.

Lisa of K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK, who made history as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Oscars, was also a scene-stealer with her performance of “Live and Let Die” during the James Bond tribute at the event.

Doja Cat then graced the stage to sing her rendition of Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” followed by RAYE with Adele’s “Skyfall.”

Queen Latifah, meanwhile, paid tribute to the late Quincy Jones when she performed “Ease on Down the Road” from “The Wiz.”

The 97th Oscars was hosted by Emmy Award-winning television host Conan O’Brien, with Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer hosting the red carpet.