The Academy Awards have something to offer for all audiences. Whether you consider yourself a cinephile, a fashion connoisseur, or just love celebrity gossip, chances are you found yourself entertained at this year’s awards. If you didn’t watch it, you’re in luck; this article is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the 97th annual awards.
WHO DECIDES THE WINNERS?
More than 10,000 people and film artists across the world are members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Members of the Academy submit nominations for awards in one of the 24 categories throughout the year; this year, the deadline for submissions was December 9th, 2024. Once all votes are submitted, a separate committee will make a short list to be announced later in the year. However, due to the unfortunate occurrence of the California wildfires, nominee announcements were pushed to late January. Once the shortlist is announced, voters will rank eligible films in order of preference. The film that gets the most top votes is automatically the winner. The movie with the fewest votes will be eliminated. Every movie considered for an Academy Award is subjected to this procedure to ensure a fair voting process; the only exception is the international films, which have separate, more complex voting rules.
THIS YEAR’S WINNERS
This year there were more than 120 nominations, including films like Wicked—Best Picture, I’m Still Here—Best International Film, and Inside Out 2—Best Animated Film. Wicked’s Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design, and American actor Kieran Culkin won his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in A Real Pain, where he played Benji Kaplan. In his speech, he emphasized his gratitude to his wife, Jazz Charton, for supporting him and thanked her for giving him his children: “I have to thank my wife, Jazz, for giving me my favorite people in the world.”
Speaking of speeches, it wouldn’t be right to report on the 2025 Academy Awards without mentioning Adrien Brody’s controversial speech. Brody is celebrating his second Oscar win for his performance in The Brutalist for Best Actor. After his win was announced by Cillian Murphy, Brody rushed up to the stage to accept the award. Before he made it to the stage, he gracefully tossed the gum he was chewing to his date, Georgia Chapman. He then proceeded to deliver the longest speech in the history of the Oscars at an astounding 5 minutes and 40 seconds. In his speech, he disrespected the orchestra in their desperate efforts to “play him off” the stage. Saying, “Please turn the music off. I’ve done this before. It’s not my first rodeo. I will be brief.” During his record-breaking speech, he thanked his parents and his girlfriend, as well as his girlfriend’s children. “Thank you for accepting me into your life, Popsies coming home a winner,” he remarked. Despite the sweet message to his newfound family, many watchers weren’t able to get past his cocky behavior. Aejanae Humphrey (12) says, “I couldn’t even pay attention to his entire speech; I kept thinking about how rude he was.”
On a more positive note, Anora, a small-budget indie film, took home the most Oscars, winning 5 out of 6 nominations for titles like Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role (awarded to Mikey Madison), and Best Director (awarded to Sean Baker). Despite all their wins, many critics are confused about how such a small film won, others thinking the film was downright undeserving of such prestigious titles. Movie critic Brian Truitt of USA Today thinks Anora seems “lightweight” compared to blockbuster movies like Conclave, Nickel Boys, and A Complete Unknown. However, many viewers were encouraged to see a smaller film win big. “I’m glad an indie film won so many of the big awards this year; it’s good to see it’s not a popularity contest.” Abi Robison (12)
Many people who tuned in to this year’s award show don’t hold the same beliefs about the voters mindset when it comes to choosing the winners. In November 2024, Netflix released Emelia Perez, a musical about a Mexican lawyer who receives a strange offer to help a cartel boss retire and fulfills a desire to transition to living as a woman. The movie stars well-known actresses such as Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana as well as lesser-known actors and actresses like Édgar Ramírez and Karla Sofía Gascón. The film’s lofty plot fell short among viewers, receiving a 5.4/10 on IMDb and a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes (the lowest percent of the Best Picture nominees this year). Between the plot, the set, and the music, there were many issues to go around, and although the movie had a budget of 21 million EUR, many felt the production value didn’t reflect that digit. “So imagine the shock on critics’ faces when the movie held the most nominations of the night with 13 nominations. When I saw all the nominations Emilia Perez got, I thought it was a joke!” stated Abby Philley (12).
A critic at Slate magazine described the music as “loud and gimmicky,” calling it a “distraction from storytelling.” Other critics felt the music was bold and “genre-bending,” also believing the film did a good job of addressing complex ideas about gender identity. However you felt about the film, it went on to only win 2 of the 13 nominations: Best Original Song and Best Supporting Actress. Saldana took the stage and delivered an emotional acceptance speech dedicated to her late grandmother and to her Dominican heritage: “My grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother!”
BEST AND WORST LOOKS
This year’s Academy Awards did not lack in the fashion department; actors, actresses, and directors alike came dressed to impress when they hit the carpet. Wonka star Timothée Chalamet came dressed in a dapper butter-yellow suit designed by Givenchy. Scarlett Johanssen hit the carpet in a regal royal blue velvet gown by Mugler, and singer Doja Cat stunned in a glimmering strapless cheetah print gown with a matching scarf made by Balmain. However, the most controversial outfit this year was worn by Benny Blanco, musician and Selena Gomez’s new fiancé. Blanco arrived at the show in a cream-white suit and embroidered black trench coat paired with some shiny black ballet flats. People who tuned into the show to see his outfit found his look clashing and overwhelming. The Cut went so far as to compare his outfit to a magician.
This year the annual award show did not disappoint; small movies winning big awards gave hope to filmmakers, record-breaking speeches provided the internet with celebrity gossip, and ugly outfits gave fashionistas inspiration for fashion do’s and don’ts. As we wrap up the 97th Academy Awards, we can only imagine what next year will bring.