Discover everything about the 2025 Oscars Best Picture winner, Anora, and the full list of awards. Learn about the nominees, surprises, and highlights from the 97th Academy Awards.
The 97th Academy Awards were filled with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments. One of the most talked-about awards of the night was the Best Picture category, which went to the indie film Anora. Directed by Sean Baker, this romantic dramedy swept the Oscars, winning five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about Anora, from the key moments of the night to the complete list of 2025 Oscar winners, and why Anora emerged as the big winner.
Overview of the 2025 Oscars
The 2025 Oscars took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the event was a night to remember, with memorable performances, touching speeches, and, of course, the announcement of the year’s most prestigious awards.
This year’s ceremony featured some incredible films, with Anora standing out as the clear frontrunner.
Notable Nominees for Best Picture:
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
Despite the fierce competition, Anora captured the hearts of both the Academy and viewers around the world, emerging victorious in the Best Picture race.
The Winner – Anora
Anora, directed by Sean Baker, tells the story of an unlikely romantic connection that blossoms amidst the chaos of a bustling city. The film has been praised for its emotional depth, outstanding performances, and unique storytelling.
Director and Cast
Directed by Sean Baker, known for his work on The Florida Project, Anora stars Zoe Kravitz in the lead role, delivering an unforgettable performance that earned her the Best Actress Oscar. Alongside her, John Boyega provides a strong performance, adding emotional weight to the film’s narrative.
Awards Won by Anora
Anora dominated the Oscars, taking home the following awards:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Sean Baker)
- Best Actress (Zoe Kravitz)
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
The film’s recognition for Best Editing and Cinematography highlights the artistic brilliance and meticulous attention to detail that went into its production.
Why Anora Won
Anora stood out for its exceptional blend of heartfelt storytelling and groundbreaking cinematography. The film’s portrayal of complex emotions, combined with a visually stunning aesthetic, resonated deeply with the Academy voters. The acting performances, particularly Kravitz’s portrayal of her character, were widely regarded as the best of the year.
The Complete List of 2025 Oscar Winners
The 2025 Academy Awards saw a variety of talented individuals and films take home trophies. Below is a complete list of the major winners:
Best Director
- Sean Baker – Anora
Best Actor
- Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Best Actress
- Zoe Kravitz – Anora
Best Supporting Actor
- Sterling K. Brown – Conclave
Best Supporting Actress
- Tiffany Haddish – A Complete Unknown
Best Cinematography
- Rachel Morrison – Anora
Best Editing
- Fred Raskin – Anora
Best Original Screenplay
- Charlie Kaufman – The Brutalist
Best Adapted Screenplay
- Gillian Flynn – Dune: Part Two
Oscars 2025: The Surprises and Snubs
The 2025 Oscars were full of surprises. One of the biggest shocks of the night was the Best Actor win for Adrien Brody in The Brutalist. Many had predicted that Paul Mescal for Conclave would take home the award, but Brody’s powerful performance in the film impressed the Academy voters.
Another surprising moment came in the Best Cinematography category, where Anora triumphed, despite stiff competition from films like Dune: Part Two. The film’s cinematography was lauded for its use of vibrant colors and unique shot compositions, which set it apart from the other nominees.
While The Brutalist received a number of accolades, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Original Screenplay, and several technical awards, it was Anora that dominated the evening, securing five awards in total.
Behind the Scenes – The Making of Anora
The making of Anora was a monumental achievement for the film industry. With a modest budget, director Sean Baker worked with a talented crew to create a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story.
Filmmaking Process
Anora was shot in various locations across Los Angeles, using a blend of natural lighting and artistic shot compositions. The production team focused on creating a sense of intimacy between the characters, with long takes and wide shots that captured the atmosphere of the city.
Cast and Crew Interviews
In interviews, Zoe Kravitz spoke about how she prepared for the role, diving deep into the complexities of her character. Sean Baker shared his vision for the film, emphasizing the importance of capturing raw, authentic emotions on screen.
Critical Reception
Before its Oscars sweep, Anora had already been widely praised by critics. Film critics highlighted the film’s emotional depth and the stellar performances by the lead cast members.
Where to Watch Anora and Other Nominees
Anora is now available to stream on Hulu starting from March 2025. If you’re looking to catch up on the other Oscar-nominated films, here are the platforms where you can watch them:
- The Brutalist – Available for streaming on Netflix starting April 2025.
- Dune: Part Two – Available for digital purchase and streaming on HBO Max.
- Conclave – Streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting May 2025.
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscars will be remembered for the historic victory of Anora, a film that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. With a remarkable director, outstanding performances, and stunning cinematography, Anora was a deserving winner of the coveted Best Picture award.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Anora has proven that a small indie film can make a big impact at the Academy Awards. Be sure to watch it and join the conversation about this remarkable film!
FAQ
Who won the 2025 Best Picture Oscar?
Anora won Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars, securing multiple awards that night.
What other films were nominated for Best Picture in 2025?
Other nominees for Best Picture in 2025 included The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez.
When is Anora available for streaming?
Anora is available to stream on Hulu starting March 2025.
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