The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, concluded with a triumphant night for Sean Baker’s Anora, which clinched five prestigious awards, including Best Picture. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated cinematic excellence while delivering memorable moments—such as Adrien Brody’s interrupted speech and significant snubs like Emilia Pérez. Below, explore the standout winners and where Indian audiences can watch these acclaimed films.
Anora: A Record-Breaking Triumph
Sean Baker’s Anora, a romantic comedy-drama centered on a Brooklyn sex worker who marries a Russian oligarch’s son, emerged as the night’s biggest winner. The film secured Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Made on a modest $6 million budget, Anora had already claimed the Palme d’Or at Cannes, cementing its status as a festival favorite. Baker, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, humorously remarked during his editing award acceptance, “I saved this film—imagine what that director would’ve done without me!”
Streaming in India
Despite delays due to censorship issues, Anora will premiere on Jio Hotstar on March 17, 2025, offering Indian viewers a chance to witness its unconventional storytelling.
The Brutalist: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist earned three Oscars: Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Brody, portraying László Tóth—a Hungarian-Jewish architect rebuilding his life in post-World War II America—won his second Oscar, 22 years after The Pianist. His acceptance speech, reflecting on survival and resilience, was briefly overshadowed by the orchestra cutting in, a moment that sparked buzz online.
Availability in India
Released in Indian cinemas on February 28, 2025, The Brutalist is currently screening nationwide, showcasing its haunting visuals and emotional depth.
Emilia Pérez: A Musical Drama with Mixed Fortunes
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical drama, entered the night with a record-breaking 13 nominations for a non-English film but walked away with just two wins: Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña) and Best Original Song (“El Mal”). Saldaña plays Rita, a lawyer entangled with a cartel leader seeking gender-affirming surgery, in a narrative blending crime and identity. The film’s underperformance marked it as one of the year’s biggest snubs.
Where to Watch
Emilia Pérez is available to stream on Netflix, accessible to Indian subscribers now.
Wicked: A Visual Spectacle
The musical adaptation Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, won two Oscars: Best Costume Design (Paul Tazewell, the first Black man to win in this category) and Best Production Design. With 10 nominations, the film dazzled with its vibrant aesthetics, though it fell short in acting and directing races.
Streaming Options
Indian audiences can rent Wicked on ZEE5, bringing its magical world to home screens.
I’m Still Here: Brazil’s Historic Win
Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here, set during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s, claimed Best International Feature Film. The story follows Eunice, a woman searching for her disappeared husband, offering a poignant look at family and resistance. It marked Brazil’s first win in this category.
Availability
Currently unavailable in India, updates on its release are awaited.
Flow: A Dialogue-Free Animated Gem
Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow, a dialogue-free animated tale of a cat navigating a flood-ravaged jungle, won Best Animated Feature. The film’s minimalist approach explores survival and human nature through animal perspectives, leaving viewers with layered interpretations.
Screening Details
Flow hit Indian theaters on February 28, 2025, and remains a must-see on the big screen.
Additional Notable Winners
- A Real Pain: Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for this poignant tale of two cousins in Poland. Not yet available in India.
- Dune: Part Two: Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic took Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. Stream it on Jio Hotstar now.
- Conclave: Best Adapted Screenplay went to this Vatican thriller, available on LTV Plus.
- The Substance: Best Makeup and Hairstyling honored this feminist body horror, streaming on Mubi.
- No Other Land: Best Documentary Feature, unavailable in India currently.
- I’m Not a Robot: Best Live Action Short Film, not yet released in India.
- The Only Girl in the Orchestra: Best Documentary Short, availability pending.
Key Takeaways from Oscars 2025
The night underscored independent cinema’s resurgence, with Anora tying Walt Disney’s record for most individual wins (four for Baker). Meanwhile, musical films like Wicked and Emilia Pérez showcased the genre’s enduring appeal. For Indian fans, platforms like Jio Hotstar, Netflix, and ZEE5 bring these global stories closer, though some titles await local release.