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On March 3, 2025, Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre hosted the 97th Academy Awards, a ceremony that will be remembered for its groundbreaking wins and cultural resonance. Sean Baker’s Anora dominated the night, securing Best Picture, Best Director (Baker), Best Actress (Mickey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, making it the most awarded film of the evening. This darkly comedic drama, centered on a Brooklyn stripper’s tumultuous relationship with a Russian oligarch’s son, was praised for its fearless storytelling and Madison’s transformative performance, which critics called “a career-defining triumph”.
Meanwhile, Adrien Brody claimed his second Best Actor Oscar for The Brutalist, a poignant exploration of a Holocaust survivor rebuilding his life as an architect in postwar America. Brody’s portrayal of grief and resilience earned standing ovations, with the Los Angeles Times describing it as “a masterclass in emotional depth”.
Anora’s success marked a shift toward films that blend entertainment with social commentary. The movie’s unflinching critique of wealth disparity and its feminist undertones sparked global debates. Mickey Madison’s win for Best Actress highlighted the Academy’s growing recognition of complex female protagonists, with her character’s journey from vulnerability to agency resonating deeply in a post-#MeToo era.
The film not only offered a gritty portrayal of class disparity but also explored themes of gender, power, and survival. It raised important questions about the intersections of money, privilege, and the pursuit of self-determination. Anora became more than just a film—it became a rallying cry for women reclaiming their narratives in spaces historically dominated by men.
Brody’s win for The Brutalist underscored Hollywood’s renewed focus on immigrant narratives. The film, which follows a Jewish architect navigating trauma and identity in 1950s America, was hailed as “a haunting meditation on displacement”. Its success aligned with broader industry trends, as seen in 2024’s The Zone of Interest, which also tackled historical trauma.
The story of The Brutalist resonated strongly in today’s world, where refugees, immigrants, and displaced peoples continue to face challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. Brody’s powerful portrayal of resilience in the face of unthinkable loss cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. The win also underscored the Academy’s growing awareness of the importance of telling diverse stories and addressing themes of migration and rebuilding lives.
The Chinese-French co-production Cat’s Miraculous Drift won Best Animated Feature, becoming the first film from China to triumph in this category. Its tale of a stray cat’s interstellar adventure wowed audiences with its blend of traditional ink-wash aesthetics and cutting-edge CGI. The win signaled Hollywood’s growing collaboration with Asian studios, following hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023).
Cat’s Miraculous Drift exemplified the growing potential of cross-cultural collaborations in the film industry. The film’s sweeping visuals and charming storyline were a testament to how animation can transcend language and cultural barriers, providing a universal experience that resonated with audiences across the world.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, winning Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Design. Its sandworm sequences were lauded as “a benchmark for sci-fi world-building”. The film’s ability to immerse audiences in the vast desert landscapes of Arrakis was a feat of technological prowess, setting a new standard for visual storytelling in cinema.
Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s musical crime drama about a Mexican cartel leader’s gender transition, won Best Original Song and earned 13 nominations, breaking records for LGBTQ+ representation.
The 2025 ceremony highlighted how technology is reshaping cinema:
AI-Driven Visuals: Films like Dune: Part Two utilized AI algorithms to simulate desert ecosystems, reducing production costs by 40%. This technology allowed filmmakers to create highly realistic environments without the need for large-scale physical sets, giving them greater flexibility in the storytelling process.
Virtual Production: Cat’s Miraculous Drift employed real-time rendering tools, allowing animators to adjust scenes instantaneously. This new approach to virtual production not only accelerated the animation process but also opened up creative possibilities that were previously out of reach. Virtual production is now transforming the way filmmakers approach both animation and live-action films.
Streaming Dominance: Netflix and Apple TV+ accounted for 60% of nominated films, including Emilia Pérez and Anora. The rise of streaming platforms has revolutionized the way films are consumed and has opened the door for a broader range of voices and perspectives to reach global audiences. The prominence of streaming platforms at the Oscars is a testament to the changing landscape of filmmaking, distribution, and audience engagement.
As technology continues to shape the way we experience and engage with films, several apps have become essential tools for film lovers to stay updated on the latest Oscar contenders, explore in-depth reviews, and join global conversations about cinema. Here are some of the most popular and useful apps for film enthusiasts:
IMDb has long been the go-to platform for all things cinema. It offers a comprehensive database of movies, actors, directors, and other industry professionals, as well as ratings and reviews from both critics and viewers. With the Oscars season in full swing, IMDb’s “Oscar Mode” became a favorite among users, allowing them to easily track nominations, read behind-the-scenes trivia, and watch trailers of films like Anora and The Brutalist. Users can also dive deep into the career trajectories of award-winning filmmakers and actors, exploring their past works and accolades.
IMDb’s interactive features, including user-generated reviews and ratings, provide a platform for film enthusiasts to engage with each other and share their opinions about the most talked-about films of the season. Whether you’re researching nominees or catching up on past Oscar-winning films, IMDb is a must-have app for any movie lover.
Letterboxd is an essential app for anyone who wants to track their cinematic journey. It allows users to log the movies they’ve watched, create personalized watchlists, and participate in film discussions with a vibrant community of cinephiles. In the lead-up to the Oscars, Letterboxd’s Oscar hub saw a 200% surge in activity, with users sharing their rankings of the nominees, writing reviews, and joining debates about the most deserving films and performances.
For those who enjoy tracking their viewing habits and discovering new films, Letterboxd offers a rich social platform where users can engage with others, follow their favorite film critics, and explore curated lists of top films across different genres and years. With its intuitive design and community-driven features, Letterboxd is a must-have app for film enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of cinema and stay engaged with the latest industry trends.
In today’s digital age, streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+ have become central to the way we watch films. With major nominations for films like Dune: Part Two and Emilia Pérez, these platforms allow users to stream some of the most talked-about films from the 2025 Oscars season. Netflix and Apple TV+ also provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews with filmmakers and cast members, and documentaries about the making of the films.
For those who want to revisit their favorite Oscar-winning moments or explore past nominees, both platforms offer extensive libraries of films, from historical Oscar winners to contemporary hits. The ability to watch films at home or on the go makes streaming services an essential part of the modern film experience.
The official Oscar app provides real-time updates on everything happening during the Academy Awards. From red-carpet livestreams to live polls and interactive features, the app keeps users engaged and informed throughout the entire ceremony. During the 2025 Oscars, fans could vote for their favorite winners, such as Mickey Madison, who was voted the “Most Inspiring Winner” in real-time. This app is perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected with the event, track the awards as they unfold, and access exclusive content throughout the night.
For aspiring filmmakers and creatives, apps like Procreate Dreams and Final Cut Pro have revolutionized the way films are created. Procreate Dreams, an Apple Design Award-winning app, has become a go-to tool for animators, including the art team behind Cat’s Miraculous Drift. The app allows users to create stunning animations with a high degree of flexibility and precision, making it an essential tool for those working in the animation industry.
Meanwhile, Final Cut Pro continues to be a favorite among independent filmmakers and post-production professionals. It played a pivotal role in the editing process of Anora, where Sean Baker’s team utilized its powerful features to craft the film’s compelling narrative and visual style. Whether you’re working on a short film, a documentary, or a feature-length movie, these creative tools provide everything you need to bring your cinematic vision to life.
This year’s Oscars emphasized storytelling that mirrors contemporary struggles:
Wealth Inequality: Anora’s depiction of a stripper navigating oligarch excesses paralleled real-world debates over billionaires’ influence.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Emilia Pérez’s gender transition narrative arrived amid global tensions over transgender legislation, making its 13 nominations a political statement.
Immigrant Resilience: The Brutalist’s focus on postwar displacement echoed 2024’s refugee crises, with Brody dedicating his win to “those rebuilding lives in foreign lands”.
The 2025 Oscars proved that film remains a powerful medium for social change. As technology bridges gaps between creators and audiences, apps like Letterboxd and streaming platforms democratize access to global stories. Meanwhile, controversies over snubs and representation remind us that the industry still has strides to make in inclusivity.
From Anora’s gritty realism to Cat’s Miraculous Drift’s whimsy, this year’s winners showcase cinema’s unparalleled ability to entertain, challenge, and inspire. As Sean Baker remarked in his acceptance speech: “Film isn’t just a mirror to society—it’s a hammer to shape it”.
