Anora Dominates the 2025 Oscars: Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress, Adrien Brody Triumphs for The Brutalist

The 97th Academy Awards, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night of surprises, powerful speeches, and historic wins. It wasn’t the big-budget blockbusters that stole the show — it was independent cinema. Leading the night was Anora, a bold and moving film that swept five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award.

Let’s dive deep into the unforgettable night, from Mikey Madison’s rise as Best Actress to Adrien Brody’s emotional win for The Brutalist.

The Triumph of Anora

Directed by the acclaimed Sean Baker, Anora tells the story of a New York City sex worker whose life takes a dramatic turn when she unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The film blends sharp social commentary, raw human emotion, and a sprinkle of dark humor — making it a standout among this year’s nominees.

What set Anora apart was its unapologetic portrayal of marginalized communities, giving voice to those often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Baker, known for his work on The Florida Project and Red Rocket, once again proved his mastery in capturing life’s rawness with empathy and depth.

On Oscars night, Anora bagged five major awards:

• Best Picture
• Best Director (Sean Baker)
• Best Original Screenplay (Sean Baker)
• Best Film Editing (Sean Baker)
• Best Actress (Mikey Madison)

Sean Baker made history by becoming the first individual to win four Oscars for a single film in one night — a record previously held by Walt Disney for his animated works.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Baker paid tribute to the sex worker community that inspired Anora. He said:

“This film is rooted in real stories, real lives. My deepest respect and gratitude go to the brave individuals who shared their experiences with us. This award belongs to you.”

He also spoke passionately about the importance of keeping cinema alive, encouraging filmmakers to create art for the big screen despite the rising dominance of streaming platforms.

Mikey Madison's Breakout Moment as Best Actress

At just 25 years old, Mikey Madison delivered a career-defining performance as Anora, a young woman grappling with love, power, and identity. Her portrayal was nuanced — at times fierce and independent, at others vulnerable and raw — making her a deserving winner of the Best Actress award.

Madison beat a tough lineup, including seasoned actresses like Demi Moore (The Substance) and Emma Stone (Poor Things). Yet it was her authenticity and boldness that resonated with the Academy.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Madison expressed her disbelief, calling the moment “surreal.” She thanked Sean Baker for believing in her and dedicated the award to the sex worker community that inspired her role:

“This isn’t just my story — it’s theirs. I’m honored to be a voice, but the real credit belongs to the courageous individuals whose experiences shaped Anora’s journey. This award is for them.”

Madison also vowed to continue using her platform to advocate for underrepresented communities in cinema.

Adrien Brody's Emotional Victory for The Brutalist

Another highlight of the night was Adrien Brody’s powerful win for Best Actor in The Brutalist. This marks Brody’s second Oscar — his first being in 2003 for The Pianist.

The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, tells the story of László Toth, a Jewish-Hungarian architect who moves to post-war America in search of a better life. The film explores themes of trauma, ambition, and resilience — and Brody’s portrayal was both haunting and inspiring.

His performance captivated audiences, with critics praising his ability to embody the pain and hope of a man trying to rebuild his life.

In his moving acceptance speech, Brody reflected on the unpredictability of an actor’s career and the privilege of telling such a powerful story. He also took a moment to address wider social issues:

“Art is a reflection of society. As we celebrate tonight, let’s remember to fight against antisemitism, racism, and hatred. Our stories must inspire change.”

The speech earned a standing ovation, highlighting the emotional gravity of both his role and his message.

Other Notable Wins and Moments

The 2025 Oscars weren't short on memorable moments. Here’s a quick look at some of the night’s other big wins:

• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) — a heartwarming story about two cousins exploring their Polish roots.
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) — a groundbreaking Spanish-language film about a lawyer helping a drug lord transition genders. Saldaña's emotional speech celebrated her immigrant heritage and the importance of representation in cinema.

The show, hosted by Conan O’Brien, balanced sharp comedy with heartfelt tributes. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the night with a stunning medley from Wicked, earning thunderous applause.

A special tribute to Los Angeles’ cinematic history added a nostalgic touch, featuring clips from iconic films like La La Land and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

The In Memoriam segment was particularly poignant, honoring late legends like Maggie Smith, David Lynch, and Gene Hackman. Morgan Freeman's heartfelt words about Hackman left many in tears.

The Legacy of the 2025 Oscars

The 97th Academy Awards proved that independent cinema is more powerful than ever. Anora’s sweeping victory showed that heartfelt storytelling and bold narratives still have a place in the spotlight.

Mikey Madison's win cemented her status as a rising star, while Adrien Brody’s emotional triumph reminded us of the timeless power of great acting.

Above all, the night was a celebration of voices — from the marginalized communities represented in Anora to the resilient journey portrayed in The Brutalist. It wasn’t just about glitz and glamour — it was about art that inspires and challenges.

As the curtains closed, one thing was clear: the future of cinema lies not in its budget but in its heart.