Independent film Anora sweeps the Oscars, winning five awards including best picture

In a night full of surprises and historic wins, independent film Anora dominated the 2025 Academy Awards, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture. The film’s lead star, Mikey Madison, was awarded Best Actress for her compelling portrayal of a sex worker who embarks on a whirlwind romance with a Russian oligarch’s son.

“This is very surreal,” Madison said in her emotional acceptance speech, acknowledging the film’s journey from a small indie project to one of the biggest winners of the night.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Adrien Brody secured his second Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist, a period drama that captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling. Zoe Saldaña was honoured with Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez, while Kieran Culkin was named Best Supporting Actor for his standout role.

The ceremony featured several memorable moments, including a show-stopping duet by Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Grande, wearing a sculptural Schiaparelli gown that sparked conversations on social media, delivered a stunning performance that left audiences in awe. In another heartfelt highlight, Morgan Freeman paid tribute to legendary actor Gene Hackman, celebrating his contributions to cinema.

Wicked also secured wins in the costume categories, further cementing its place as one of the standout productions of the year. Additionally, the Brazilian historical epic I’m Still Here triumphed in the Best International Film category, bringing recognition to Latin American cinema on the global stage.

Full List of Winners and Nominees:

Best Picture:

• Winner: Anora
• Nominees: The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, Oppenheimer, Poor Things

Best Actress:

• Winner: Mikey Madison (Anora)
• Nominees: Emma Stone (Poor Things), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), Carey Mulligan (Maestro)

Best Actor:

• Winner: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
• Nominees: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Colman Domingo (Rustin)

Best Supporting Actress:

• Winner: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
• Nominees: Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Jodie Foster (Nyad)

Best Supporting Actor:

• Winner: Kieran Culkin (The Holdovers)
• Nominees: Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer), Ryan Gosling (Barbie), Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things), Willem Dafoe (Poor Things)

Best International Film:

• Winner: I’m Still Here (Brazil)
• Nominees: The Zone of Interest (UK), Society of the Snow (Spain), Perfect Days (Japan), Io Capitano (Italy)

With Anora making a strong mark on the awards season and I’m Still Here bringing international acclaim, this year’s Oscars celebrated a diverse range of storytelling and talent. The evening was a testament to the evolving landscape of cinema, where independent films and global voices continue to make a significant impact.