The 97th Academy Awards saw Anora dominate the night with five wins, including Best Picture and Best Director, while other nominees embraced the festivities backstage. From political jabs and emotional tributes to dazzling performances, Hollywood’s biggest night was a mix of triumph, celebration and unexpected moments.
Hollywood’s biggest night saw Anora emerge as the dominant force, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Meanwhile, those who left empty-handed found solace in the revelry of the evening, with the backstage bar becoming the unofficial gathering place for relaxed nominees and industry insiders.
The Oscars are often defined by their winners, but for some, losing can make the night even more enjoyable. Jeremy Strong, nominated for The Apprentice, took his early defeat in stride, joking that it left him free to enjoy the rest of the evening at the bar. Filmmaker James Mangold, who had been up for Best Director for A Complete Unknown, shrugged off the loss with a plate of salmon and caviar, while Richard Curtis, already honored with an Academy Award for lifetime achievement, spent the evening unwinding with champagne in hand.
The ceremony opened on a powerful note, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivering an emotional tribute to wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles. Their performance set the tone for a night filled with musical moments, including a James Bond-themed number featuring Margaret Qualley, Doja Cat, Raye and Lisa from Blackpink. Many in the audience lamented their poor timing when they stepped out for a drink and missed the dazzling spectacle.
One of the evening’s most talked-about moments came from host Conan O'Brien, who landed a rare political joke. As Anora began sweeping the early categories, O’Brien quipped, "I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian," a nod to the film’s plot involving a sex worker marrying a Russian oligarch’s son. The joke resonated as Anora went on to win Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Film Editing and Best Original Screenplay.
Adrien Brody claimed Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, delivering an impassioned speech urging against unchecked hate, despite going well beyond the 45-second limit. Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldana secured Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez. Peter Straughan earned Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, and Brazil’s I’m Still Here took home Best International Feature Film.
The night also belonged to Wicked, which dazzled with wins in Costume Design (Paul Tazewell) and Production Design (Nathan Crowley and Lee Sanders). The Substance triumphed in Makeup and Hairstyling, while Flow claimed Best Animated Feature. The Best Documentary Feature award went to No Other Land, while Best Original Song was awarded to "El Mal" from Emilia Perez, composed by Clement Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard.
Beyond the awards, the night was a love letter to Los Angeles, a city still reeling from recent wildfires. A moving orchestral tribute, followed by O’Brien’s heartfelt praise for the city’s resilience, set the stage for an emotional evening. Firefighters even took the spotlight with a series of unexpected and well-received jokes, with one captain from Pasadena declaring the experience both nerve-wracking and thrilling.
During a commercial break, Sing Sing Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo led a toast to Los Angeles, reminding the audience of the strength and spirit of the city. “People ask me if I’m going to leave,” he said. “Not even a thought,” he continued, drawing thunderous applause.
From sweeping victories to unforgettable performances and poignant tributes, the 97th Academy Awards proved to be a night that celebrated not only cinematic excellence, but also the resilience and vibrancy of Hollywood itself.
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