The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented honors in 23 categories, recognizing movies released during the 2024 calendar year.
The ceremony was broadcast nationwide by ABC and made available for streaming on Hulu, reaching a broad audience across the United States. Production responsibilities fell to Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, while veteran director Hamish Hamilton oversaw the live show. Comedian Conan O’Brien served as host for the first time, bringing his signature humor to the evening’s proceedings.
Their combined experience contributed to an event that was both entertaining for viewers at home and memorable for the industry’s elite attendees. Leading up to the main night, the Academy staged several ancillary events.
On November 17, 2024, the 15th Governors Awards were held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Ovation Hollywood complex, honoring individuals with notable contributions to cinema. Later, on April 29, 2025, the Academy Scientific and Technical Awards took place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, with actor Diego Luna serving as host. Those honors highlighted innovative technologies and techniques that have advanced the filmmaking process.
When the winners were announced, the film Anora emerged as the evening’s biggest victor, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture. The accolade underscored the movie’s overall excellence and the collective effort of its cast and crew.
Following closely, The Brutalist earned three awards, while Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez and Wicked each walked away with two trophies. Additional titles such as Conclave, Flow, I’m Not a Robot, I’m Still Here, In the Shadow of the Cypress, No Other Land, The Only Girl in the Orchestra, A Real Pain and The Substance also received recognition, illustrating the breadth of talent celebrated by the Academy. The competition across all categories was described as fierce, with nominees representing a wide spectrum of storytelling, performance and technical achievement.
As each award was presented, applause and congratulations echoed throughout the theatre, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect that characterize the film community. Industry observers noted that the 97th ceremony offered a snapshot of current trends, from the rise of ambitious sequels to the growing prominence of diverse voices in front of and behind the camera.
The inclusion of scientific and technical honors further emphasized the role of innovation in shaping contemporary cinema. With the 98th Academy Awards already on the horizon, filmmakers and audiences alike are anticipating the next wave of projects that will define the medium. The 2025 Oscars not only honored the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for future artistic and technological advancements within the industry.
