Anora’s Oscar Triumph, Conan O’Brien’s Hilarious Hosting, and the Night’s Biggest Moments
Hollywood’s biggest night was full of surprises, but the biggest winner of the 2025 Academy Awards was undoubtedly Anora. The indie darling, directed by Sean Baker, defied the odds and steamrolled the competition, cementing its place in Oscar history with a stunning Best Picture win. The $6 million passion project wasn’t just a critical favorite—it dominated the evening, with Baker taking home a record-breaking four awards for Best Picture (as a producer), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
During his emotional acceptance speech, Baker credited the film’s success to its indie roots, saying, “It was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of brilliant indie artists.” The Anora victory also marked a major milestone for distributor Neon, which previously won Best Picture in 2020 with Parasite, and for producer FilmNation, a frequent collaborator of Baker’s.
The film had been riding a wave of momentum since its Palme d’Or win at Cannes, and the Oscars proved no different. Star Mikey Madison clinched Best Actress for her stunning portrayal of a sex worker caught up in the lavish and dangerous world of a Russian oligarch’s son. Speaking to aspiring filmmakers, producer Samantha Quan encouraged them to pursue their visions, saying, “To all the dreamers and the young filmmakers out there, tell the stories you want to tell. Tell the stories that move you.”
The Upsets, Snubs, and Showstoppers
While Anora soared, Emilia Peréz had a rougher night. Despite leading with 13 nominations, the film walked away with only two awards—Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for “El Mal.” The film’s controversy surrounding its lead Karla Sofía Gascón likely hurt its chances in the night’s biggest categories. Best International Film ultimately went to I’m Still Here.
The Best Actor race was one of the night’s most fascinating battles, with Timothée Chalamet and Adrien Brody. In the end, Brody took home the gold.
Conan O’Brien Steals the Show
One of the evening’s biggest winners didn’t even take home a trophy. First-time host Conan O’Brien had the audience (and the internet) in stitches with his sharp one-liners. Whether it was a jab at Gascón’s publicist or a playful callout to Drake, O’Brien’s quick wit made him an instant fan favorite.
Meanwhile, Chalamet found himself the subject of endless memes. From being compared to a stick of butter to a comedic bit with Adam Sandler and playful jabs at his light yellow suit, the Dune star took it all in stride. Though he didn’t win Best Actor, he walked away with the admiration of his fans and peers.
With major wins, shocking snubs, and an unforgettable hosting debut from O’Brien, the 2025 Oscars was one for the books. And at the center of it all was Anora, proving that indie films still have the power to take over Hollywood.
