Indie Film Sweeps 2025 Oscars Amid Highlights and Unexpected Moments

LOS ANGELES, California — The 97th Academy Awards maintained its tradition of running long, despite host Conan O'Brien‘s playful assurances about sticking to a tight schedule. Sean Baker‘s indie film, made for $6 million and winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, emerged as the big winner, taking home five Oscars out of six nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture.

The ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, and showcased a slew of memorable moments alongside the ceremony’s anticipated surprises. Baker’s film dominated the awards, garnering accolades for Best Film Editing and Original Screenplay, both attributed to Baker, while Mikey Madison won Best Actress.

Additionally, the ceremony featured notable performances from other contenders, such as the musical Wicked, which established a continuous theme throughout the evening. The low-budget film The Brutalist garnered three awards, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, marking his second Oscar win 22 years after he was honored for The Pianist. Embering the night was the success of Emilia Pérez, which secured two awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña—the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar.

While the event celebrated numerous artistic achievements, it was not without its share of awkward moments and surprises, in a manner characteristic of live television. The Oscars this year included performances that elicited chuckles as well as head-shaking reactions.

Kieran Culkin, who won for Best Supporting Actor, captured attention with his humorous acceptance speech. His story about his wife, Jazz Charton, whimsically revolved around their family planning efforts hinged on award wins, citing previous comments he made at another award ceremony.

The inclusion of a James Bond tribute left many puzzled, transitioning from a video montage to an unexpected live performance. Fans expressed confusion over the decision to highlight Bond songs during a night intended to celebrate the nominated films, raising questions about the ceremony’s pacing.

Amid the highlights, the Oscars also honored the bravery of Los Angeles Fire Department members with a standing ovation and humorous comments from O’Brien. However, the night was marred by a livestream outage that affected over 30,000 viewers, cutting off just as Sean Baker began his acceptance speech for Best Director.

Fans and attendees reacted strongly to various segments of the awards night, with mixed feelings about the length of speeches and musical interludes. The moment where June Squibb presented, drawing laughs and admiration for her witty remarks, sparked discussion among viewers.

Additionally, a tribute to the late Gene Hackman resonated deeply with the audience, with Morgan Freeman offering heartfelt words about the actor’s legacy. The night ended with a sense of triumph for many, although some felt the choice of winners reflected a broader trend of the Academy favoring indie films over mainstream blockbusters.

Overall, the 2025 Oscars encompassed a blend of emotional victories, high-profile performances, and some bewildering decisions, ensuring this year’s ceremony would be remembered for its unique blend of tradition and surprise.