The 97th Academy Awards unfolded with much anticipation, showcasing a blend of expected wins and unexpected surprises. In a season marked by unpredictable twists, Sean Baker's Anora emerged as the standout film, sweeping up five Oscars out of its six nominations, including the coveted Best Picture award.
The ceremony, held on a festive evening, saw several anticipated victories. Kieran Culkin's performance in A Real Pain earned him the Best Supporting Actor recognition, while Zoe Saldaña's role in Emilia Pérez secured her the Best Supporting Actress accolade. Adrien Brody's portrayal in The Brutalist was acknowledged with the Best Actor in a Leading Role award.
A Night of Noteworthy Wins
Among the night's unexpected outcomes was Mikey Madison's victory for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Anora. This win came as a surprise to many, with Demi Moore previously seen as the frontrunner for her work in The Substance. Ultimately, The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, walked away with just one award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, despite being nominated in five categories.
Sean Baker, celebrated for his earlier work on Tangerine, took to the stage multiple times, collecting awards for Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Editing, in addition to the film's Best Picture award. Baker's presence was a highlight, setting a new record for the most Oscars won by a single individual for the same film.
Queer Achievements Shine at the Oscars
This year's Oscars also celebrated notable queer achievements. Costume Designer Paul Tazewell, known for his work on Wicked, made history as the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. He accepted his award from Bowen Yang, an openly gay actor, who donned one of Tazewell's creations for the occasion. Wicked also triumphed in the Production Design category, with Lee Sandales acknowledging his husband during his acceptance speech.
The evening's queer highlights were accentuated by performances from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The duo opened the ceremony with a medley featuring "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Home", culminating in a powerful rendition of "Defying Gravity." Later, Queen Latifah added to the magic with a tribute to Quincy Jones, performing "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz.
Emilia Pérez: A Controversial Highlight
One of the most discussed films of the awards season, Emilia Pérez, a musical about a trans former cartel leader, received 13 nominations, more than any other film. Despite its critical reception and the controversy surrounding its portrayal of trans and Mexican cultures, the film managed to secure two Oscars. In addition to Saldaña's win, the song "El Mal" from the film won Best Original Song, though it was noted that the acceptance speeches avoided addressing trans politics.
The film's lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, made history as the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination for acting, although her past controversial statements on social media were a topic of debate.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated diversity and creativity, with significant queer representation. As the night concluded, the achievements of films like Anora, Wicked, and Emilia Pérez were etched into Oscars history, highlighting the industry's growing embrace of diverse voices.
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