Anora Dominates the Night
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Anora, a powerful film that took the Oscars by storm. Directed by Sean Baker, this bold tragicomedy delves into the life of a Brooklyn stripper who marries the son of an oligarch. It outshone its closest competitor, The Brutalist, winning five prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. In contrast, The Brutalist managed to snag three awards but left director Brady Corbet without the chance to speak on stage. While I found The Brutalist to be an impressive cinematic achievement, I was thrilled to see Anora recognized for its commitment to authentic storytelling and its focus on marginalized communities, which is a testament to the importance of independent cinema.
Mikey Madison Triumphs Over Demi Moore
A star was undeniably born this night when twenty-five-year-old Mikey Madison captured the award for Best Actress for her role in Anora. Madison’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, and her dignified acceptance speech reflected her maturity and elegance. She took a moment to acknowledge the sex worker community she represents, affirming her commitment to support and allyship. While there will be discussions claiming Demi Moore was deserving of the award, many are already drawing parallels between Madison’s win and the plot of The Substance. Regardless, Madison’s victory is well-deserved, especially as it marked a unique occasion where an Oscar was awarded while a Take That song played in the background.
Adrien Brody Claims Best Actor Again
Adrien Brody, recognized for his role in The Brutalist, took home the Best Actor award, marking another significant achievement in his career. However, his acceptance speech seemed to stretch on as long as the film itself. Brody remained on stage even after the music began to play, acknowledging that this was not his first win (he previously won in 2003 for The Piano). As he spoke, many anticipated a politically charged message, especially given the film’s themes surrounding antisemitism. Instead, he made a vague reference to the importance of not allowing hate to go unchecked. Whether he was caught up in the Hollywood allure or simply changed his mind about delivering a substantial message remains unclear. At least this time, he refrained from a public kiss with Halle Berry.
A Call for the Revival of Independent Film
Sean Baker’s acceptance speech for Best Original Screenplay was a heartfelt homage to the sex workers who have shared their stories with him for his films. His speech for Best Director was an impassioned call to action, urging audiences to return to the cinema. He emphasized the value of the communal experience that cannot be replicated at home and implored parents to take their children to see films on the big screen. His enthusiasm and excitement were infectious, providing a glimmer of hope that filmmakers and audiences alike might heed his message to preserve the cinematic experience. However, don’t expect Anora to be available on streaming services anytime soon.
The Emilia Pérez Controversy Concludes
After dominating the awards season, Emilia Pérez has finally faded from the spotlight, its controversial campaign coming to an end. As expected, Zoe Saldaña took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, marking a significant milestone as the first American of Dominican descent to win this honor. While I personally believed she deserved better roles, it was still gratifying to see her recognized. I had hoped for a win for Ariana Grande’s delightful portrayal of Glinda in Wicked, who also performed alongside Cynthia Erivo during the ceremony. Interestingly, Wicked secured a second award for Best Original Song for the woeful track “El Mal,” whose writers were awkwardly escorted off stage after attempting to perform.
Conan O’Brien Makes a Splash
Conan O’Brien made quite an impression during his Oscars debut, entering the stage in a gory parody of The Substance, emerging from Demi Moore’s bisected back. O’Brien, a giant in American late-night comedy, looked slightly nervous during his opening monologue, which featured some solid jokes. Commenting on The Brutalist, he quipped, “I loved it; I didn’t want it to end, and luckily it didn’t!” He also joked about Wicked with, “for everyone who watched The Wizard of Oz and wondered where the minor characters went to college.” Although some of his gags fell flat, he gained confidence as the night progressed, landing a memorable line as Anora gained momentum: “I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”
A Pointless Bond Tribute
Despite the anticipation, no new Bond was announced, and no upcoming films were revealed, creating a bizarre atmosphere during a lengthy tribute to Bond themes. The segment inexplicably opened with a close-up of Margaret Qualley biting her finger seductively before being hoisted by a group of men in tuxedos. While musicians Lisa and Doja Cat delivered forgettable performances, Raye’s rendition of “Skyfall” added a touch of quality to the medley. Ultimately, watching lesser-known artists struggle through well-worn Bond themes felt tiresome, reminiscent of performances one might encounter at a holiday park or working men’s club.
Kieran Culkin’s Future Looks Busy
It was widely anticipated that Kieran Culkin would win Best Supporting Actor, and he didn’t disappoint, taking home the award for his role in A Real Pain. The audience’s adoration for him was palpable, especially as he triumphed over his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, known for his intense method acting. During his acceptance speech, Culkin humorously reminded his wife and the Hollywood crowd of her promise to bear him a third child if he won an Emmy (which he did last year) and a fourth child if he won an Oscar. “So let’s get crackin’ on those kids!” he jested, leaving many to ponder the motivations of men.
No Other Land Receives Best Documentary
The award for Best Documentary went to No Other Land, an eye-opening film created by a collective of Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers focusing on displaced individuals in the occupied West Bank. The acceptance speeches delivered some of the most poignant moments of the evening, as Basel Adra, one of the film’s directors, urged the audience to take serious action to halt the injustice and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. Additionally, Yuval Abraham, an Israeli director, highlighted the stark contrast between their lives under different legal systems and called for a political solution that respects the national rights of both peoples. Their powerful words resonated deeply, especially in light of the backlash faced by Jonathan Glazer last year when he addressed the conflict in Gaza.
Historic Costume Wins
Craft awards often go unnoticed, but the recognition for Costume Design took center stage when Paul Tazewell was announced as the winner for Wicked, earning the first standing ovation of the night. Although I had hoped for Linda Muir to win for Nosferatu, Tazewell’s achievement was particularly significant, as he became the first Black man to win this award. The Oscars have historically struggled with diversity across all categories, focusing primarily on visible talent. This win for Tazewell felt especially encouraging, as he remarked, “This means everything,” underscoring the need for better representation across all areas of the film industry.
Complete List of Oscar Winners
- Best Picture – Anora
- Best Director – Sean Baker, Anora
- Best Actress – Mikey Madison, Anora
- Best Actor – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
- Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
- Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
- Best International Feature Film – I’m Still Here
- Best Cinematography – The Brutalist
- Best Original Screenplay – Anora
- Best Adapted Screenplay – Conclave
- Best Production Design – Wicked
- Best Documentary – No Other Land
- Best Documentary Short – The Only Girl in the Orchestra
- Best Animated Feature Film – Flow
- Best Animated Short – In the Shadow of the Cypress
- Best Costume Design – Paul Tazewell, Wicked
- Best Editing – Anora
- Best Sound – Dune: Part Two
- Best Visual Effects – Dune: Part Two
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling – The Substance
- Best Original Score – The Brutalist
- Best Original Song – ‘El Mal’, Emilia Pérez
