In a year that seemed to epitomize the curated nature of award shows, the 97th Academy Awards closed out an underwhelming season. This year's ceremony highlighted a growing disconnect between the diversity of opinions and tastes in the film world and the homogeneity of nominees. The result was a night filled with predictable outcomes and missed opportunities for true recognition of excellence.
Homogenized Selections Overshadow True Talent
This year’s awards season felt more tightly controlled than ever before. Despite the vast array of films produced, the same small group of movies dominated nominations across various categories. This trend raised questions about who decided which films deserved attention. Quality seemed to take a backseat to trends, leading to a disappointing outcome where genuine talent was overlooked.
One of the most glaring examples of this trend was the dominance of "Anora," a film that became the frontrunner early on despite its questionable merit. Its wins for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Editing were emblematic of a system that rewards popularity over substance. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed works like "Dune: Part Two" received minimal acknowledgment, winning only for Visual Effects and Sound. This oversight underscored the skewed priorities of the voting process, where some voters didn’t even watch the nominated films. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of engagement from those responsible for celebrating cinematic achievements.
Celebrating Mediocrity: A Night of Surprises and Missed Opportunities
The evening unfolded predictably, with few surprises and many missed opportunities. Host Conan O’Brien delivered a solid performance, particularly in the earlier part of the show, but the event dragged on, especially towards the end. Adrien Brody’s win for Best Actor was well-deserved, though Timothée Chalamet’s performances in "A Complete Unknown" and "Dune: Part Two" could have been strong contenders. The night also saw Kieran Culkin win for Best Supporting Actor, delivering one of the most heartfelt speeches of the evening.
Other highlights included Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s musical tribute to classic films, and Mark Hamill’s appearance without any wardrobe malfunctions. Adam Sandler’s comedic moment, where he was called out for his casual attire, added a touch of humor to the proceedings. However, the IN MEMORIAM segment left much to be desired, with several notable figures missing from the tribute. Additionally, the uneven treatment of winners’ speeches—allowing some extended moments while cutting others short—was a significant letdown. Overall, the 2025 Oscars felt like a celebration of mediocrity, leaving many hoping for a more meaningful and inclusive ceremony next year.