This drama-filled 97th Oscars season finally concluded on Sunday with some unexpected victories and milestones.
Fans felt like the Oscars would never end with spectacles from a couple of the nominees, such as Karla Sofia Gascón’s old tweets getting resurfaced, AI being used in “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez,” multiple shocking snubs from categories and more.
The ceremony started with Ariana Grande wearing Dorothy’s ruby red slipper themed dress singing a medley of “Wicked” songs alongside Cynthia Erivo, who closed the performance with the iconic “Defying Gravity.”
Host Conan O’Brien then delivered a few funny jokes in his opening monologue at The Dolby Theatre, taking digs at Gascón and Timothée Chalamet. I enjoyed the almost 20-minute monologue, but by the end of it I just wanted to get to the awards like other viewers at home.
“Emilia Pérez” had the most nominations this year, but out of 13 they only won two — which might have something to do with the multitude of drama that has been spiraling for the past few months.
Sean Baker’s “Anora” won five awards, including Best Picture — the most out of all the other films. Baker, who directed, edited, wrote and co-produced the film, won four Oscars, tying Walt Disney’s record for the most Academy Awards won by a single person in one year.
During his acceptance speech for Best Director, Baker advocated for movie theaters around the country.
“Distributors, please focus first and foremost on the theatrical releases of your films. Parents, introduce your children to feature films in movie theaters and you will be molding the next generation of movie lovers and filmmakers,” Baked said to the viewers. “And for all of us, when we can please watch movies in a theater and let’s keep the great tradition of the moviegoing experience alive and well.”
“Wicked’s” first win of the night went to Paul Tazewell for Best Costume Design. Tazewell is the first Black man to win in this category. The first Black woman to win this category, Ruth E. Carter, won in 2023 for her work on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The film based off the Broadway production also won Best Production Design.
Similarly to this year’s Golden Globes, Los Angeles Firefighters were brought onto the stage and read jokes given to them. Captain Erik Scott brought laughs to the room when he read, “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes. And I’m talking about the producers of ‘Joker 2.’”
After winning Best Actor in 2002, Adrien Brody has won the award again for his role in “The Brutalist.” After his extremely long acceptance speech, “Anora’s” Mikey Madison won Best Actress. Madison is now the second youngest actress to win this award at 25-years-old.
“I just wanted to recognize and honor the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible women I have had the privilege of meeting from that community have been one of the highlights of this entire experience,” Madison said in her acceptance speech.
“A Real Pain’s” Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor, delivering a heartwarming speech about his wife and kids. Zoe Saldaña has finally won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress from her role in “Emilia Pérez.”
Chalamet’s “A Complete Unknown” ended the night empty handed, while his other film “Dune: Part Two” won Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. “Sing Sing” unfortunately did not win any awards.
This year’s Oscars definitely did not disappoint as much as expected. Many of the actors and actresses have great achievements to celebrate and have many more to come.
jcaramag@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @TheAcademy, X
