Oscars 2025: The Winners and A Legacy of Excellence and

The Oscars: A Legacy of Excellence and the 2025 Winners

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, have been the pinnacle of cinematic achievement for nearly a century. Since their inception in 1929, the Oscars have celebrated the best in filmmaking, honoring the talents of actors, directors, writers, and countless others who bring stories to life on the big screen. As we look back on the rich history of the Oscars, we also turn our attention to the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, which promises to be one of the most unpredictable ceremonies in recent memory.

Historical Background of the Oscars

The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. It was a modest affair, with just 12 awards presented in 15 minutes. Over the years, the Oscars have evolved, reflecting changes in the film industry and society. Today, the ceremony is a global spectacle, watched by millions worldwide, celebrating not just American cinema but films from around the globe.

The Oscars have also become a platform for social commentary and change. From Marlon Brando’s iconic refusal of his Best Actor award in 1973 to highlight Native American rights, to more recent moments of advocacy for diversity and inclusion, the Oscars have been a stage for powerful statements.

2025 Oscars: A Year of Unpredictability

 Oscars 2025, the 97th Academy Awards marked a year of intense competition, with no clear frontrunners in several categories. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, was a thrilling event, filled with surprises and historic moments.

Best Picture

Anora, directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the Best Picture. This dark comedy, praised for its blend of realism and crowd-pleasing storytelling, won 5 key awards ((best picture, best directing, best lead actress, best original screenplay and best film editing) leading up to the Oscars, including the Producers Guild of America (PGA) Award, often a reliable indicator of the Best Picture winner124.

The Brutalist 3 wins (best lead actor, best cinematography and best original score)

Emilia Pérez 2 wins (best supporting actress and best original song)

Wicked 2 wins (best costume design and best production design)

Dune: Part 2  2 wins (best visual effects and best sound)

The Substance 1 win (best makeup and hairstyling)

A Real Pain 1 win (best supporting actor).

Conclave 1 win (best adapted screenplay)

I’m Still Here 1 win (best international film)

However, Conclave, a Vatican-set thriller, and Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical with a record-breaking 13 nominations, posed strong challenges134.

Watch Highlights of 2025 Oscars. Courtesy NCB News.com

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/live-blog/oscars-2025-live-updates-rcna193465/rcrd74130?canonicalCard=true

Best Director: Visionary Storyteller

Sean Baker won Best Director for his work on Anora, thanks to his critically acclaimed past projects and the film’s strong reception14. Brady Corbet, known for his ambitious historical epic The Brutalist, and Jacques Audiard, director of Emilia Pérez, were also contenders, each bringing unique visions to the screen4.

Best Actor: A Tale of Two Favourites

Adrien Brody, starring in The Brutalist, had been leading the Best Actor race, having won several major awards. However, Timothée Chalamet, who portrayed Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, was seen as a potential upset after his SAG Award win1.

The Impact of AI in Cinema

This year’s Oscars also highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez both used AI in their production processes, sparking debate about the place of technology in creative endeavors6.

Oscars 2025, 97th Academy Awards were a celebration of cinematic excellence, diversity, and innovation. As the film industry continues to evolve, the Oscars remain a beacon of artistic achievement, honoring the talents that bring us unforgettable stories. Whether you’re a film aficionado or simply a fan of the magic of movies, the Oscars are a reminder of the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and unite us all.

How Has the Competition for Best Picture Evolved Over the Years

Early Years: Grand Epics and Escapism

In its early years, the Best Picture category often celebrated grandiose epics and musicals. Films like Wings (1929), the first-ever Best Picture winner, showcased the technical and artistic achievements of the silent film era as it transitioned to “talkies.” During the Great Depression and post-war years, audiences sought escapism, leading to wins for lavish productions such as Gone with the Wind (1939) and The Sound of Music (1965)12.

The 1960s and 70s: Socially Conscious Cinema

The cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 70s saw a shift toward more provocative and socially conscious storytelling. Films like Midnight Cowboy (1969), the only X-rated film to win Best Picture, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) reflected changing societal attitudes and a willingness to tackle mature themes. This era marked a departure from traditional Hollywood fare, embracing grittier narratives that resonated with contemporary audiences12.

Expanding Representation: The 1990s Onward

The late 20th century brought increased recognition of diverse voices and global narratives. The landmark win of Slumdog Millionaire (2008), a British-Indian production, and Parasite (2019), the first South Korean film to win Best Picture, highlighted a growing appreciation for international cinema. Similarly, films like Moonlight (2016) and Nomadland (2020) championed underrepresented voices, addressing race, gender, and socio-economic inequality13.

2009: Expanding Nominees

One of the most significant changes came in 2009 when the Academy expanded the number of Best Picture nominees from five to ten. This decision aimed to include a broader range of films, including blockbusters and genre films often overlooked by traditional Oscar voters. The change was partly a response to public criticism over popular films like The Dark Knight being snubbed24. In 2021, a fixed number of ten nominees was reinstated to ensure consistency3.

Impact of Streaming Platforms

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon has further democratized access to filmmaking. Movies that may have struggled with limited theatrical releases now compete equally with major studio productions. Films like Roma (2018) and The Irishman (2019) exemplify how streaming services have disrupted traditional distribution models while earning critical acclaim14.

Technological Advancements

Advances in filmmaking technology have also influenced Best Picture contenders. From groundbreaking special effects in films like Avatar (2009) to innovative storytelling techniques in animated or hybrid genres, technological progress has expanded the scope of what can be considered Oscar-worthy14.

The evolution of the Best Picture category mirrors broader shifts in cinema and society. From its early focus on spectacle to its embrace of diverse narratives and new technologies, the category reflects an ongoing dialogue between filmmakers, audiences, and cultural trends. As cinema continues to evolve, so too will this prestigious award, ensuring it remains a barometer for excellence in storytelling.

The Academy Awards, or the Oscars, have delivered countless unforgettable moments over the years, ranging from historic firsts to shocking surprises and emotional speeches. Here are some of the most memorable events in Oscar history:

1. Hattie McDanaiel Makes History

Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind. Despite this landmark achievement, she was forced to sit at a segregated table during the ceremony. In her heartfelt speech, she said, “I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry”45.

2. Sidney Poitier Breaks Barriers (19640)

Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field. His win marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s history of representation. Decades later, in 2002, Denzel Washington paid tribute to Poitier while accepting his own Best Actor award, calling him an inspiration4.

3. The Streaker Incident (1974)

During the 46th Academy Awards, Robert Opel shocked the audience by streaking across the stage while flashing a peace sign. Presenter David Niven handled it with composure, quipping, “Isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”25.

4. Envelopegate_The Best Picture Mix-Up 92017)

One of the most infamous Oscar moments occurred when La La Land was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of Moonlight. The error was corrected on stage by producer Jordan Horowitz, who declared, “This is not a joke. Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture,” holding up the correct card for all to see. The mix-up was due to presenters being handed the wrong envelope12.

5. Jennifer Lawrence’s Fall(2013)

On her way to accept her Best Actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence tripped on her gown while climbing the stairs. She laughed off the incident with charm, making it one of the night’s most relatable and talked-about moments5.

6. Roberto Benigni’s Joyful Celebration

When Italian actor-director Roberto Benigni won for Life is Beautiful, he climbed over chairs and waved his arms in excitement before hopping onto the stage. His exuberance captured hearts worldwide and became one of the Oscars’ most joyful moments5.

7. Cuba Gooding Jr’s Passionate Speech (1997)

After winning Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire, Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered an electrifying acceptance speech, shouting over the orchestra as he expressed gratitude to everyone involved in his career. His unrestrained enthusiasm remains iconic5.

8. Marlon Brando Rejects His Oscar (1973)

Marlon Brando refused to accept his Best Actor award for The Godfather as a protest against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. He sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place, who delivered a speech on his behalf that sparked controversy and conversation6.

9. Parasite’s Historic Win (2020)

Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite made history as the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. The South Korean film swept four major categories, signaling a shift toward greater recognition of international cinema4.

These moments illustrate how the Oscars are not just about celebrating cinematic excellence but also about creating cultural milestones that resonate far beyond Hollywood. Whether through groundbreaking achievements or shocking surprises, these events have cemented their place in entertainment history.

The Oscars: Shocking Moments Over the Years

1. Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock (2020)

During the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith confronted Chris Rock on stage after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Smith slapped Rock and later yelled at him to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. This incident led to a ten-year ban from the Oscars for Smith123.

2. The Best Picture Mix-Up (2017)

In one of the most infamous moments in Oscar history, La La Land was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of Moonlight. The error was corrected on stage, but not before the La La Land team had begun their acceptance speeches145.

3. Adrien Brody Kisses Halle Berry (2003)

Adrien Brody surprised everyone by kissing presenter Halle Berry after winning Best Actor for The Pianist. This unplanned moment left Berry bewildered, as she later recounted24.

4. Robert Opel Streaks Across the Stage (1974)

Artist Robert Opel shocked the audience by streaking across the stage during the 46th Academy Awards. Host David Niven handled the situation with humor, quipping about Opel’s “shortcomings”23.

5. Marlon Brando Rejects His Oscar (1973)

Marlon Brando refused to accept his Best Actor award for The Godfather as a protest against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. He sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to deliver a speech on his behalf1.

6. Crash Wins Best Picture (2006)

Crash won Best Picture over the heavily favored Brokeback Mountain, considered one of the biggest upsets in Oscar history4.

7. Karla Sofia Gascon’s Nomination Controversy (2025)

Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly transgender individual nominated for an acting Oscar but faced backlash over past Islamophobic and racist tweets2.

These moments highlight how the Oscars can be as unpredictable as they are memorable, often leaving lasting impressions on viewers and the film industry alike.