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The 97th Academy Awards held in 2025 was a night to remember, marked by unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and groundbreaking achievements. The star-studded event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, saw Hollywood’s brightest talents come together to celebrate the best in film from the previous year. In an evening of surprises and history-making moments, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison took home some of the night’s top honours, while Zoe Saldana made history, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor for “The Last Whisper”
Adrien Brody, known for his intense performances and versatile acting talent, claimed the coveted Best Actor trophy for his gripping portrayal in The Last Whisper. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay, tells the story of a man struggling with his past while trying to find redemption in a broken world. Brody’s nuanced performance captured the emotional depth of his character, earning him unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike.
During his acceptance speech, Brody expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to work with DuVernay and the incredible cast and crew. He also took a moment to reflect on the power of storytelling in cinema, acknowledging how films like The Last Whisper could spark important conversations about societal issues. His win marks a significant moment in Brody’s career, as it’s been over 20 years since his last Academy Award win for The Pianist (2003), and his return to the Oscars stage shows the enduring quality of his work.
Mikey Madison Claims Best Actress for “Shadows on the Horizon”
In a stunning upset, Mikey Madison claimed the Best Actress Oscar for her riveting performance in Shadows on the Horizon. The film, a psychological drama set in the remote wilderness, follows a woman grappling with isolation and trauma. Madison’s portrayal of a character unraveling mentally and emotionally in an unforgiving environment left audiences in awe of her range and commitment to the role.
This win marks a career-defining moment for Madison, who was previously best known for supporting roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Better Call Saul. In her acceptance speech, Madison thanked her director, castmates, and the creative team for allowing her the space to dive into such a complex character. She also dedicated her award to aspiring actors, encouraging them to take risks and embrace the challenges that come with the craft.
Zoe Saldana Makes History with Two Nominations and a Win
Zoe Saldana made history at the 2025 Oscars, not only becoming the first Latina actress to be nominated for multiple Academy Awards in a single year but also taking home a prestigious Oscar for her role in The Blue Odyssey, a visually stunning sci-fi epic directed by James Cameron. Her portrayal of a fearless space explorer who confronts alien civilizations in an effort to save humanity was widely praised for its depth and emotional intensity, marking a significant departure from her previous action-heavy roles in the Avatar franchise.
Saldana’s win is groundbreaking, as she becomes the first woman of Latin American descent to claim an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In her emotional speech, she thanked her family for their unwavering support and reflected on how the industry is evolving to give voices to a broader range of perspectives. “Tonight, I stand not just for myself, but for the many women and people of color whose stories have yet to be told. Let’s continue to break barriers,” Saldana said.
Her dual nominations this year were a testament to her versatility, with her portrayal of the powerful leader in The Blue Odyssey complementing her performance in the action film Eclipse of Tomorrow. Saldana’s triumphs at the 2025 Oscars have sparked a wider conversation about representation in Hollywood and the importance of diverse stories being told on the big screen.
Best Director: Ava DuVernay for “The Last Whisper”
Ava DuVernay made history herself by taking home the Best Director Oscar for The Last Whisper. DuVernay, whose previous works like Selma and 13th have already made a significant impact, was lauded for her ability to craft a film that balanced both personal and political themes while pushing boundaries in terms of narrative structure and visual storytelling.
DuVernay’s win marks the first time in over a decade that a woman of color has claimed the Best Director Oscar. During her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the struggles of women and people of color in the film industry, stressing the importance of continuing to open doors for future generations of filmmakers. “This win is not just for me, but for every woman and every person of color who has been told their story isn’t worth telling,” she said.
Best Picture: “Shadows on the Horizon”
The night’s most coveted honor, Best Picture, went to Shadows on the Horizon, a film that captivated both critics and audiences with its raw portrayal of the human condition. Directed by celebrated filmmaker Thomas McCarthy, the movie explores themes of isolation, grief, and self-discovery in the context of a solitary journey through the Alaskan wilderness.
In his acceptance speech, McCarthy expressed his gratitude for his collaborators, including Mikey Madison, whose stellar performance was central to the film’s success. Shadows on the Horizon also won Best Cinematography for its breathtaking visuals of the Alaskan landscape, which played a pivotal role in setting the film’s hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Other Notable Winners
- Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan for The Silent Road. Quan, who made his return to the big screen after decades of absence, won the award for his role as a wise mentor who guides the protagonist through a spiritual awakening. His win was a significant moment for Asian representation in Hollywood.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana for The Blue Odyssey. Her performance in the sci-fi epic was widely regarded as one of the most complex of her career, and her Oscar win was a testament to her versatility as an actress.
- Best Adapted Screenplay: The Blue Odyssey (written by James Cameron and Rian Johnson). The screenplay, which blends science fiction with deep philosophical themes, was praised for its clever writing and its ability to explore new territory in terms of character development.
- Best Original Screenplay: Shadows on the Horizon (written by Thomas McCarthy). McCarthy’s script was hailed for its emotional depth and its exploration of the human psyche under extreme stress.
- Best Visual Effects: The Blue Odyssey. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects were instrumental in creating its stunning world, and the Oscar was awarded for the film’s masterful use of technology to create an immersive cinematic experience.
A Night of Milestones and Moments
The 2025 Academy Awards were not just about the awards but also about the milestones achieved by people who have long been advocates for change in Hollywood. This year’s Oscars saw more diverse voices in front of and behind the camera than ever before, with films that pushed boundaries and reflected the changing face of cinema.
From Adrien Brody’s long-awaited win to Mikey Madison’s breakthrough performance and Zoe Saldana’s historic win, the evening was a celebration of not just talent but also the ongoing transformation in the film industry. With the night wrapped in the glow of accomplishment and history, the Oscars 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in the continued fight for inclusivity, representation, and the power of storytelling.
