The 97th annual Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theater, celebrated cinematic excellence with a blend of anticipation and unexpected outcomes. Host Conan O’Brien guided the evening, while performances by Doja Cat, Raye, Queen Latifah, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande added sparkle to the event. The awards spanned various categories, showcasing remarkable achievements in film. Key wins included Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. Sean Baker's "Anora" triumphed in Original Screenplay, while "Conclave" secured Adapted Screenplay. Animated Feature went to "Flow," and several technical accolades were awarded, including Production Design and Costume Design for "Wicked."
Celebrating Acting and Writing Excellence
This year’s Oscars highlighted outstanding performances and screenwriting, with notable victories in acting and screenplay categories. Kieran Culkin’s win for Best Supporting Actor in “A Real Pain” marked a significant moment, reflecting his nuanced portrayal. Zoe Saldaña’s acceptance of the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Emilia Pérez” underscored her compelling performance. Meanwhile, Sean Baker’s original screenplay for “Anora” and Peter Straughan’s adapted screenplay for “Conclave” showcased the depth of storytelling in cinema.
In-depth recognition was given to actors and writers whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Kieran Culkin’s portrayal in “A Real Pain” captivated audiences with its raw authenticity, earning him the coveted Best Supporting Actor award. Zoe Saldaña’s role in “Emilia Pérez” was equally impactful, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. The screenplay category saw Sean Baker’s “Anora” taking home the prize for its innovative narrative, while Peter Straughan’s adaptation of “Conclave” was praised for its intricate plot development. These wins reflect the high standards set by the Academy and the caliber of work that continues to define the film industry.
Achievements in Technical and Artistic Categories
The technical and artistic categories shone brightly, with winners recognized for their exceptional craft. “Flow” emerged victorious in the Animated Feature category, while “Wicked” dominated both Production Design and Costume Design. Cinematography honors went to “The Brutalist,” and “Anora” excelled in Editing. Makeup and Hairstyling awards were claimed by “The Substance,” and “Dune: Part Two” won for Sound and Visual Effects. Additionally, “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez” took the Original Song award, adding a musical highlight to the evening.
The night also celebrated behind-the-scenes talent, honoring films that pushed boundaries in technical and artistic realms. “Flow” stood out in Animated Feature for its innovative animation techniques and compelling storyline. “Wicked” was lauded for its elaborate production design and meticulous costume choices, creating a visually stunning experience. Cinematographer achievements in “The Brutalist” showcased breathtaking visuals, while “Anora” demonstrated precise editing that enhanced the film’s pacing. Makeup and hairstyling in “The Substance” brought characters to life, and “Dune: Part Two” wowed with its sound design and visual effects. The Original Song award for “El Mal” highlighted the power of music in storytelling, rounding off a night filled with remarkable achievements across multiple disciplines.