Star-Studded 97th Academy Awards: Anora Dominates with 5 Oscars
LOS ANGELES — The 97th Academy Awards concluded Sunday with Anora capturing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker) and Best Actress (Mikey Madison), in a star-studded ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Adrien Brody Wins Second Best Actor Oscar
Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor award, for The Brutalist, while Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) took home Oscars for supporting roles.
Tributes to Gene Hackman and Quincy Jones
Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Gene Hackman, who was found dead last week along with his wife and dog in their New Mexico home. And Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Queen Latifah honored Quincy Jones, who died in November.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the Show
Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a powerful medley of songs: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (Wizard of Oz), “Home” (The Wiz) and their film’s “Defying Gravity.”
Recognition for Firefighters and Afterparty Fun
The show recognized firefighters who battled the deadly Los Angeles wildfires that led to the nominations being postponed twice in January. After the ceremony concluded, the stars headed out to let loose at fabulous bashes.
Sean Baker’s Passionate Call to Support Theaters
When Sean Baker took the stage to accept the Academy Award for Best Director, he took the opportunity to passionately encourage people to continue going to movie theaters and support independent cinema.
Adrien Brody’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor Oscar tonight for his role in The Brutalist. He delivered an emotional acceptance speech reflecting on the importance of representing lingering traumas and fighting against hate.
Tribute to Quincy Jones and Legacy
Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey took the stage to honor the legendary Quincy Jones, reflecting on his groundbreaking career and enduring legacy.
Los Angeles Firefighters Bring Humor to the Oscars
Los Angeles firefighters took center stage at the Oscars to a standing ovation, before the host, Conan O’Brien, handed them the mic to try their hand at comedy.
Filmmakers Deliver Powerful Message with Best Documentary Feature
Filmmakers Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor accepted the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film for No Other Land, emphasizing the need for action to stop injustices and ethnic cleansing.
