The 97th Academy Awards unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking a transformative evening for cinema that celebrated both artistic achievement and groundbreaking representation. Sean Baker’s “Anora” emerged as the night’s triumphant film, securing five prestigious awards, including best picture, best director, best editing, best original screenplay, and best actress.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, witnessed several historic moments that underscored the evolving landscape of Hollywood. Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, claiming the best supporting actress award for her role in “Emilia Pérez”.
Paul Tazewell broke new ground in the costume design category, becoming the first Black male to receive this honor for his work on “Wicked”. The evening also celebrated international cinema, with “Flow” becoming the first Latvian film to win best animated feature, highlighting the global nature of contemporary filmmaking.
Adrien Brody achieved a remarkable feat by winning best actor, continuing his exceptional performance trajectory. The ceremony showcased a diverse range of talents, with filmmakers from Brazil and Iran receiving recognition, and the documentary “No Other Land” drawing attention to critical social narratives.
The broadcast, which aired on ABC and streamed on Hulu, took place against the backdrop of recent Los Angeles wildfires, adding a layer of resilience to the evening’s proceedings.
