The 2025 Academy Awards proved to be a night of powerful storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and an ongoing discussion about diversity in cinema. ‘Anora’ emerged as the biggest winner of the night, claiming multiple awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. As Hollywood evolves, so does the Oscars’ approach to inclusivity, representation, and social narratives.
‘Anora’ Shines Bright at Oscars 2025
One of the biggest highlights of the Oscars was the success of ‘Anora.’ Directed by Sean Baker, the film took home awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Mikey Madison), and Best Original Screenplay.
‘Anora’ tells the story of a young woman working as a stripper and navigating the complex realities of life. The film’s mature themes, adult scenes, and raw storytelling set it apart, but what made it even more significant was Baker’s approach to portraying the dignity of sex workers. Unlike traditional films that either glamorize or stigmatize the profession, ‘Anora’ aims to shed light on their struggles and present them as real, complex individuals.
Changing Cinema & The Impact of OTT Platforms
In recent years, the rise of OTT platforms has significantly changed the way people experience cinema. With streaming services dominating the industry, traditional theater experiences are diminishing. This was a major concern addressed during the Oscars ceremony. Sean Baker, in his acceptance speech, voiced his worry about the decreasing number of cinema screens and how the communal experience of watching films is fading.
With people preferring personal, on-demand content, filmmakers are exploring new storytelling techniques, more intimate narratives, and diverse subjects that may not have been considered commercially viable a decade ago.
Diversity & Representation: A Priority for the Academy
The Academy has been making conscious efforts to promote diversity in its nominations and winners. Since 2020, new rules ensure that films up for major awards must meet specific diversity criteria. While this move aims to create an inclusive Hollywood, it has also sparked debates.
Elon Musk, a vocal critic, expressed his frustration on social media, stating that exceptional films are being overlooked in favor of diversity-driven selections. However, he did not specify which films he felt were unfairly excluded.
Jewish Narratives & Eastern European Influence
A noticeable theme this year was the focus on Jewish history and Eastern European narratives. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his performance in ‘The Brutalist,’ where he played a Jewish architect fleeing Nazi-occupied Hungary. The film explores his struggles in the U.S., highlighting themes of discrimination, resilience, and the weight of historical trauma.
Similarly, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for ‘A Real Pain.’ The film follows two American cousins visiting their ancestral home in Poland, which leads them to confront their family’s past and the horrors of Nazi oppression. Initially at odds, their journey deepens their understanding of their heritage, strengthening their bond.
Gender Identity & ‘Emilia Perez’
The Best Supporting Actress award went to a standout performance in ‘Emilia Perez,’ a film that delves into gender identity. The story revolves around a Mexican mafia leader who undergoes gender transition with the help of an American lawyer. To start anew, the character fakes their death and leaves behind their past life, including family and criminal ties. The film offers a deeply emotional take on identity, acceptance, and personal transformation, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Oscars 2025: A Reflection of Hollywood’s Changing Landscape
The Academy Awards continue to serve as a mirror of the film industry’s evolution. This year’s winners reflected pressing social themes, from gender identity and marginalized professions to historical trauma and representation. The ongoing shift toward inclusive storytelling may invite criticism, but it also ensures that cinema remains relevant, thought-provoking, and impactful in today’s world.
