he red carpet unfurled, the golden statues gleamed under the dazzling lights and the air crackled with anticipation—Hollywood’s grandest night arrived. The 97th Academy Awards weren’t just a celebration of cinema; they were a tribute to the stories that moved people, the performances that left them breathless and the dreamers who turned visions into masterpieces.

This year’s nominees gave us more than films; they also sgave us moments; whispers of raw emotion, thunderous applause for cinematic brilliance and unforgettable characters. From towering epics to quiet, intimate dramas, the 2025 Oscars were a tribute to the power of storytelling and the magic of the silver screen.

As Hollywood’s finest stepped onto the stage, hearts pounding and hands trembling, one thing was certain: history was to be made. Whether it was a long-overdue victory, a shocking upset or an acceptance speech that brought the world to tears, this was the night when many dreams did come true. It was an unforgettable ride, beginning with a focus on holocausts and genocides.

Perhaps the most significant victory was the award for No Other Land. The film’s impactful storytelling won it the Best Documentary Feature. The award meant that no matter how many cameras owned by Palestinians are broken, their resilience did not waver. Chronicling the struggles of a Palestinian community in the West Bank, the film’s victory ignited discussions about cinema’s role in shaping global perspectives. Despite political controversy, its impact was undeniable, highlighting the power of storytelling to bridge cultural and ideological divides. For the first time a Palestinian could receive an Oscar and narrate the horrific crimes funded by the US in front of the people who signed their death note in one of the biggest US cinema awards.

Wicked, based on the successful Broadway musical, and The Brutalist each had ten nominations. Both were up for best film, best director and a deluge of acting possibilities.

In a well-deserved victory, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his gripping role in The Brutalist, a performance that deeply resonated with audiences and critics alike. His acceptance speech, the longest of the night, was both reflective and inspiring, capturing the passion that defines true cinematic artistry.

2025 was the year for the tables to turn. This year’s awards demonstrated Hollywood’s growing commitment to diverse storytelling and unconventional narratives.

2025 was the year for change. This year the awards demonstrated Hollywood’s growing commitment to telling diverse stories and including unconventional narratives. The top honour of Best Picture went to Anora, a bold and provocative film directed by Sean Baker, which also claimed Best Director, Best Actress and several other accolades. Mikey Madison, who took home the Best Actress trophy, made history as one of the youngest recipients of the award at just 25 years old, marking a milestone for young talent in the industry.

Zoe Saldaña, the first American of Dominican heritage to win an Oscar, won best supporting actress, one of just two wins for Emilia Pérez on Sunday night.

Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress was unsurprising. Why was Emilia Pérez set in Mexico? Zoe Saldana made the answer apparent when she spoke to media after the Oscars. When a Mexican journalist enquired why the film was set in Mexico, she said that the subject was global and it could have happened anywhere. However, by setting it in Mexico, the film provided a one-sided view of the nation, with violence as the constant subject rather than Mexican culture. They didn’t even get the geography right.

While the 2025 Oscars ceremony drew praise for inclusivity and recognition of global narratives, it wasn’t without its hiccups. Technical issues during Hulu’s live broadcast left some viewers frustrated, though streaming numbers ultimately saw a significant rise compared to previous years. The ratings reflected a shift in audience engagement, with younger demographics tuning in through digital platforms such as Disney+ rather than traditional TV.

The Oscars 2025 set the stage for the future of filmmaking, honouring groundbreaking achievements while pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. With bold choices, historic wins and a renewed focus on representation, this year’s ceremony will be remembered as a defining moment in cinematic history; one that celebrated the art of film in all its complexity, beauty and power.

The writer has a degree in psychology with a minor in mass communication. She can be reached at ukmaryam2@gmail.com