Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress at Oscars 2025; Inclusion and Diversity Celebrated

• ‘Anora’ earned five Academy Awards, the highest tally among all nominated films
• Mikey Madison earned Best Actress award in her debut nomination
• Female contributors secured numerous categorical awards earning recognition

 

Diversity took centre stage at the 97^th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, at Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The glittering award ceremony was seen as a transformative moment for impactful cinema worldwide. Inclusivity and innovation shaped the memorable night with some of the biggest wins. Top industry icons graced the red carpet with elegance and radiance. The ceremony was defined by series of first-time winners and historic milestones, setting a precedent for future award seasons. Connecting global audiences, the award ceremony serves as a platform for emerging artists and underrepresented communities for access within the film industry.

The eventful night was hosted by the brilliant Conan O'Brien, who infused the ceremony with his trademark wit and charm. Conan stepped into the role of Oscar’s host, following inspiration from comedian and late-night icon Jimmy Kimmel. Hollywood’s finest from Scarlet Johansson to Rita Wilson, Miley Cyrus to Penélope Cruz, Selena Gomez to Demi Moore, and many more stars added prestige to the occasion.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered a breath-taking opening act setting new benchmark for excellence. Grande made a striking entrance, appearing through a haze of gray smoke in a sparkling ruby red dress. Electrifying musical performances by Doja Cat, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and Raye, payed tribute to the filmmaking community and its most influential figures. A complementary medley of three Bond theme songs evoked deep emotions enduring grandeur and legacy. Queen Latifah, saluted the legacy and payed homage to Quincy Jones with “Ease on Down the Road."

The awards highlighted achievements of numerous winners, with spotlights shinning on women who dominated multiple categories and claimed well-deserved recognitions. Night’s most awarded recipient was ‘Anora’ securing the Oscars for Best Picture, as producer Samantha Quan addressed the audience on film’s behalf. Distributed by Neon, the film earned five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress—the highest tally among all nominated films.

 

Adrien Brody secured the Best Actor award for The Brutalist, while Mikey Madison earned Best Actress for ‘Anora.’ In the best actress acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her family, the ‘Anora’ team and key supporters. She added “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here, standing in this room today, is really incredible.” "All of the incredible people, the women that I've had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience."  Emma stone, who earned the Best Actress award last year, took the stage to present the category. As the most nominated film of the year with 13 nods, Emilia Pérez secured just two victories, claiming awards for Best Supporting actress and Best Original Song.

In the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, with Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli, secured the Oscar for their contributions to ‘The Substance.’ Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) and Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) claimed the supporting acting awards. Molly O'Brien’s ‘The Only Girl in the Orchestra’ claimed Best Documentary Short at the award ceremony.  Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi earned their first win for In the Shadow of the Cypress.

Victoria Warmerdam and Trent took home the Oscar for Live Action Short Film with I’M NOT A ROBOT. Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham won Best Documentary Feature for ‘No Other Land.’, French duo Camille and Clément Ducol received the award for Best Original Song for El Mal from Emilia Pérez. With his outstanding contribution for ‘Wicked,’ Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design. On a humanitarian ground and in the wake of destructive wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, the revered award night felicitated the firefighters on stage, along with a dedicated fundraising initiative to support victims.