Oscars 2025: Independent Cinema Shines as “Anora” Dominates

The 97th Academy Awards were a celebration of independent cinema, social commentary, and shifting industry dynamics. The biggest winner of the night was Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’, a bold and provocative film about a sex worker entangled in a whirlwind marriage with the son of a Russian oligarch. The film took home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.

A Night of Surprises

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Oscars 2025 ceremony balanced humor with the weight of global events. O’Brien’s sharp monologue poked fun at Hollywood’s self-importance while acknowledging the industry’s struggles, from the financial crisis facing theaters to controversies surrounding nominees. The ceremony also paid tribute to the firefighters combating the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, a reminder of the broader challenges facing California and beyond.

Yet, one notable absence from the discourse was Donald Trump, despite the ongoing election cycle and political tensions in the U.S. Instead, the night leaned on subtle statements rather than outright critiques, marking a shift from previous years.

‘Anora’ and the Power of Independent Cinema

Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ emerged as a defining statement for independent filmmaking. Made for just $6 million, it proved that low-budget, character-driven stories still resonate. Baker’s historic sweep—winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing—cemented his status as a filmmaker challenging mainstream Hollywood norms.

His speech was a passionate call to action: “Movie theaters, especially independent ones, are struggling. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll lose a vital part of our culture. Filmmakers, keep making movies for the big screen—I know I will.”

Mikey Madison, in her Best Actress acceptance speech, dedicated her award to the sex worker community, saying, “I will continue to support and be an ally.” Her win over expected frontrunner Demi Moore (‘The Substance’) was one of the evening’s biggest upsets.

Major Winners and Social Commentary

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his performance in ‘The Brutalist’, marking a comeback for the actor who previously won for The Pianist. Brody reflected on the “fragility of acting as a profession”, a sentiment echoed by many in an industry grappling with AI threats and the rise of streaming services.

Kieran Culkin (‘A Real Pain’) and Zoe Saldaña (‘Emilia Pérez’) won Best Supporting Actor and Actress respectively. Saldaña, in an emotional speech, declared, “I am a proud child of immigrant parents, and I know I will not be the last.”

Meanwhile, ‘No Other Land’, a documentary about Palestinian displacement, won Best Documentary Feature, with co-director Basel Adra calling on the world to “take serious action to stop injustice and ethnic cleansing.”

The Political and Social Undercurrents of This Year’s Oscars

Although less overtly than in previous years, the 2025 Academy Awards mirrored the political and social tensions of the time. Hollywood’s increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion was evident in its winners, ranging from Saldaña’s historic achievement to the recognition of a Palestinian-Israeli collective for their documentary. The industry also conveyed a message about creative control and independence by honoring films that have thrived outside the studio system.

Yet, despite these statements, the ceremony was less overtly political than in previous years. While O’Brien and presenters alluded to chaotic global times, there was a notable lack of direct commentary on Trump, who had been a frequent target in past ceremonies.

The Future of the Oscars and the Film Industry

The 2025 Academy Awards emphasized the power of storytelling over spectacle. The dominance of indie films like Anora, The Brutalist, and Emilia Pérez signals a shift away from studio-driven blockbusters, with Dune: Part Two and Wicked only managing technical wins. (Though much is expected next year from Wicked Part 2.)

This year’s ceremony also highlighted the global nature of cinema, with historic wins for Brazil and Latvia, and a continued push for diversity in Hollywood. The future of film remains uncertain in an industry grappling with streaming, AI, and declining theater attendance, but the success of Anora and other indie films suggests that audiences still crave authentic, challenging storytelling.

As Baker’s words echoed through the Dolby Theatre: “Keep making films for the big screen.”

The Full List of Winners

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