Awards season is a fruitful time of year, resulting in big wins, major upsets, and unexpected outcomes—precisely what was seen March 2nd, with the 97th Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars. This year’s award show was a heated topic of debate before its airing with questionable nominations, big names, and heated categories.
For those who had the sense to go to sleep rather than watch an awards show for three hours, below is a recap of all of last night’s most significant wins.
Before beginning, it is critical to recognize reality; the abundant glitz and glamour of award shows can be overwhelming. Winners of Best Documentary Feature Film, Basal Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham, used their time to recognize this truth, using their time to draw attention to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Their Documentary, No Other Land, shows the destruction of the West Bank, demonstrating a difficult reality and the unlikely friendship between Palestinian activist Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval.
Abraham’s portion of the speech reminded viewers that behind the manufactured industry of Hollywood, life goes on, as does the conflict we live in—an important reminder in a highly produced night that exists beyond reality.
Opening Number
In the spirit of transparency, I am unashamed to admit that tears did form (though nothing fell so technically I did not cry) when Ariana Grande appeared on stage singing in that gorgeous ruby-red gown. The lights, the staging, the sound mixing—-the production team crafted a supernatural performance. In addition, Cynthia Erivo’s vocals defied all expectations, putting a ribbon on the show’s kickoff.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Starting the night strong, Kieran Culkin won his award for his performance in A Real Pain, a comedy/drama about two estranged cousins who reconnect and explore their Jewish heritage during a tour of Poland. Tension ensues as they uncover their family history and struggle with clashing desires and personalities. I did not see this film, though general discourse on the internet proves Culkin’s award is well-deserved.
Best Original Screenplay
Filmmaker Sean Baker took home his first of four awards for Anora, a romance/drama film about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, under the Best Original Screenplay category. Overall, Anora is a remarkable film—a well-deserved win for Baker, the production team, and the cast behind the art.
Costume Design
As a costume fanatic, this category was among my most anticipated of the night. Accordingly, to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement when I witnessed Paul Tazewell become the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design. His work in Wicked was otherworldly—words are difficult to describe the exact feeling I felt when first viewing the beauty that was Glinda’s bubble dress and Elphaba’s iconic hat. It was gratifying to see Tazewell receive recognition for such excellence.
Actress in a Supporting Role
At 8:45 PM, I found myself shaking on my living room sofa with unbearable anticipation, eyes glued to the television screen. As a well-seasoned Ariana Grande fan since her Victorious days, my disappointment was staggering (though I must admit I have been biased towards this woman for the better half of my seventeen years of life) when she did not take home the win.
Despite my hardcore dedication to Grande, I applaud and highlight the talent of winner Zoe Saldaña as Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez. Her speech was a recognition of Latina actresses and workers in Hollywood. Although my personal opinions of Emilia Pérez may not be fully positive, global audiences witnessed Saldaña achieve a milestone in her career, winning her first Academy Award.
Actor in a Leading Role
Presented by Cillian Murphy, Adrien Brody won for his portrayal of László Toth in The Brutalist. Perhaps most striking about his win was his speech; it was clear Brody felt emotional. To be frank, it was a long speech—too long, as determined by the internet. People online did not enjoy the speech, citing it as arrogant and boisterous. Despite public criticism, Brody did something impressive indeed: delivering the longest speech in Academy Awards’ history with a five minute and 37 second long acceptance monologue.
Actress in a Leading Role
Hold space—not for Cynthia Erivo—but for Mikey Madison, who took home her first Oscar after receiving her first academy nomination this year for Anora. Shocked, Madison accepted her award and delivered a touching yet concise speech, expressing her gratitude toward the sex worker community and the important influence the workers offered to execute the film accurately.
Best Picture
The most anticipated award of the night, the Best Picture of the 2024—drum roll please— Anora, won in all the categories it was nominated for: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and finally, Best Picture. As an independent indie film, Anora conducted an effective sweep of the Academy Awards, demonstrating that budget (the film cost approximately $6 million) does not equate to artistry, offering a sufficient way to conclude the 97th Academy Awards.
