97th Academy Awards: Historic Wins and Glitzy After Parties Signal New Era for Independent Films
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated independent films, with 'Anora' winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, and a star-studded Vanity Fair after party featuring glamorous attendees.
The successes of “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” and “A Real Pain” open the door a bit wider to filmmakers of comparably bold ambition on thin budgets.
An Oscars Night Divided Against Itself
The New Yorker·17d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.The 97th Academy Awards were full of show-stopping performances and record-setting Oscar wins.
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The takeaway is that, in Hollywood as elsewhere, people are scared, not only because Trump is petty and vindictive but also because the vast uncertainty of the world we’re suddenly in can make judicious silence seem more sensible than speeches.
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This year's Oscars, which celebrate achievements in film, was a movie on its own.
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Baker edits, directs and writes most of his films and has also served as producer and cinematographer for some.
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As the soirée unfurled past midnight, the ambiance took on an even more carefree air, with Oscars host Conan O’Brien – while minding his famed bouffant – remarking that it was nice to be done with the job at hand.
Not even a nearby earthquake could spoil the glitz of the Vanity Fair Oscar party
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Despite a strong showing for independent films, declining box office revenues for award-winning movies remain a concern.
‘Anora’ leads with five Oscars at 97th Academy Awards
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Wildfire-battered Los Angeles, on this night, stood in for Oz, with the graphic “We Love LA” showing after the pair were finished.
Key Oscar moments, from Zoe Saldaña’s emotional win and ‘Oz’ opening to Kieran Culkin’s baby wish
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When we look back at what it was like to live in the Trump 2.0 era — how it feels to live in a world where a privileged few can rampage heedlessly as the rest of us are forced to attend to their needs and try to keep our heads above water — Anora may well be the film that captured that disorienting blend of franticness and helplessness we experience the most accurately.
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It was inevitable to have the L.A. firefighters come out for an ovation—but it was a brilliant Conan twist to make them do bitchy jokes, especially when one declared, “All of our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes.
Oscars 2025 Review: 'Anora' One Bites the Dust
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The Oscars are still ‘electric,’ especially for ‘The Brutalist’ producers.
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Los Angeles Times·18d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.For a film industry that’s been transformed by streaming and humbled by economic turmoil, Baker and “Anora” epitomized a kind of cinematic purity.
Strip Club Cinderella Story 'Anora' Wins Best Picture at Academy Awards
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Summary
The 97th Academy Awards saw 'Anora' triumph with five Oscars while emphasizing the importance of theatrical experiences, as Sean Baker made history by winning four awards for the same film. The ceremony included historic wins for Zoe Saldaña and Adrien Brody and showcased a lively atmosphere, which continued at the Vanity Fair after party. Stars mingled amid glamorous outfits, despite a nearby earthquake, and Baker's speech called for audiences to return to theaters. The night marked a significant recognition of independent cinema, though broader industry challenges persist despite indie wins.
Perspectives
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated independent films, with 'Anora' winning five Oscars, including best picture and best director for Sean Baker, marking a historic achievement, as Baker became the first person since Walt Disney to win four Oscars for a single film.
Adrien Brody won best actor for his role in 'The Brutalist,' while Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar for her role in 'Emilia Pérez,' showcasing progress in representation and diversity in the film industry.
The ceremony balanced entertainment with moments of political commentary, such as calls to support communal movie-going experiences, yet largely maintained a focus on celebrating cinematic achievements.
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