Oscars 2025 Winners: Sean Baker, the trailblazer behind “Anora,” became the first individual to win four Oscars for the same film after producing, directing, editing, and authoring the screenplay. It was a remarkable welcome by the entertainment industry of a filmmaker who has mostly worked outside of it, producing low-budget films such as “The Florida Project” and “Tangerine.” Critics praised Baker’s most recent film, and its Oscar triumph marks a landmark moment for Neon, the independent distributor of “Anora,” which previously helped “Parasite” win a best picture award in 2020.
In his final of four acceptance speeches, writer-director-editor-producer Sean Baker explained that the movie developed into a genuinely autonomous endeavour: a comedy-drama with heart, grit, gravitas, and fizz that is set in the real world.
That topic was given the weight it deserved in the story that won Anora this illustrious awards run. It also enhanced the film’s status as an auteur work, with Baker’s personal passion evident in every aspect of its creation.
Independent and mainstream competitors by no means left empty-handed. Despite not being able to perform on stage himself, Brady Corbet’s passion project, The Brutalist, received three Oscars for its outstanding elements: Adrien Brody, the score, and the cinematography, which were both done by incredibly skilled British people.
Anora: A Historic Win and Box Office collection
However, “Anora” is also among the lowest-grossing best picture winners in history, having made $40 million worldwide. However, the majority of the films that were recognised by this year’s Oscars were produced by independent firms and producers. This indicates how resistant studios, which prioritise franchise content, have grown to making the kind of adult-oriented films that take front stage at awards shows. “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked,” two blockbusters that were nominated for best film, only won in technical categories.
With five significant awards, including four for its tenacious independent director, the movie was the night’s front-runner. Best director, best writing, and best editing were all awarded to Baker.
Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar in the Best Costume Design category for “Wicked.” Shortly after, “Wicked” also took home the Best Production Design award. Two further craft honours were given to “Dune: Part Two” for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
“The Brutalist” completed the craft awards with Best Original Score and Best Cinematography. Adrien Brody went on to win Best Actor.
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Oscars 2025 Winners Complete List is Highlighted Below
- Best Picture – Anora
- Actress in a Leading Role – Mikey Madison, “Anora”
- Best Director – Sean Baker, “Anora”
- Actor in a Leading Role – Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
- Actor in a Supporting Role – Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
- Actress in a Supporting Role – Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
- Adapted Screenplay – Peter Straughan for “Conclave”
- Original Screenplay – Sean Baker for “Anora”
- Costume Design – Paul Tazewell for “Wicked”
- Original Score – Daniel Blumberg for “The Brutalist”
- Animated Feature Film – Flow
- Animated Short Film – In the Shadow of the Cypress
- International Feature Film – “I’m Still Here,” Brazil
- Cinematography – Lol Crawley for “The Brutalist”
- Original Song – “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez”
- Live Action Short Film – I’m Not a Robot
- Visual Effects – Dune: Part Two
- Sound – Dune: Part Two
