Sean Baker’s Indie Triumphs at 97th Academy Awards

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The 97th Academy Awards aired March 2, 2025, featuring Sean Baker‘s indie film Anora, which won five Oscars out of six nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The ceremony tradition of running long persisted, in spite of host Conan O'Brien’s humorous insistence on a tight schedule.

Among the top winners, Baker’s film stood out, recognized for its budget of only $6 million and its previous triumph with the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Mikey Madison received the Best Actress award for her role in Anora, while Baker himself took home trophies for Film Editing and Original Screenplay.

Notably, the show celebrated other films as well. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, marking his second Oscar win 22 years after being honored for The Pianist. Additionally, Zoe Saldaña claimed the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Emilia Pérez, making her the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award.

However, the event was not without its memorable missteps and surprising choices, as live TV often brings its own challenges. Early in the evening, O’Brien’s jokes and segments drew mixed reactions.

Kieran Culkin took a humorous approach during his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor, joking about his wife’s influence on their family planning while referencing his earlier public declaration. “Turns out she said that because she didn’t think I was going to win,” Culkin stated, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Another moment of levity occurred when Adam Sandler made a comedic entrance in casual attire during O’Brien’s monologue, which led to playful banter between them, showcasing the event’s light-hearted nature amidst its glamour.

A touching tribute unfolded as O’Brien welcomed the Los Angeles Fire Department on stage, garnering applause from the audience. He made light of the bravery theme, contrasting it with jokes about the producers of the controversial film Joker 2.

Technical issues also plagued the broadcast, notably when streaming service Hulu experienced outages affecting thousands of viewers just as awards were being announced. This led some to miss significant acceptance speeches, including Baker’s.

As the night continued, reactions to artistic performances varied, particularly regarding the James Bond tribute. Many viewers questioned the inclusion of multiple musical acts instead of showcasing nominated songs, voicing concerns about pacing and content.

In a heartfelt recognition of late actor Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman expressed admiration and fond memories, underscoring the emotional tone of the evening. Freeman quoted Hackman, emphasizing his intention for his legacy to be remembered through his dedication to quality work.

Despite the critiques, many celebrated the ceremony’s attempt to balance emotion with entertainment. As viewers dissect the night’s events, the Oscars continue to hold a unique place in Hollywood culture, showcasing a mix of glitz, humor, and the unexpected.