Oscar Winners 2025 Announced – Indie Film Lovers Jubilate

Oscars 2025

by Mascha DeikovaMarch 4^th, 2025

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The world might seem shaky at times (and this year is no exception), but some things remain steady ground under our feet. Among them is the grand and somewhat self-indulgent Academy Awards ceremony that recently took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 97^th time. As usual, there were some unexpected twists and heartfelt speeches. For one, Sean Baker’s latest feature, “Anora,” completely stole the limelight, to the great joy of indie film fans. Let’s take a more thorough look at the Oscar winners 2025 and the public’s reaction that followed. 

A lot of reviewers and critics write that this year’s ceremony went as predicted, almost boring, save for a few surprises. However, when was the last time we’ve seen a movie nominated in stunning 13 categories, live through the biggest change of fortune, and win just two awards? (I’m talking about “Emilia Pérez,” naturally, which took home trophies for Best Leading Actress and Original Song). A more interesting question: How long ago did another low-budget indie film score all the major wins at the Oscars?

Oscar winners 2025: four awards for Sean Baker

Oh yes, “Anora,” the Academy’s darling of the year. A satirical story that follows a sex worker in the Russian-Armenian neighborhood in Brooklyn, with vintage lenses, chaotic vibes, and a roller-coaster of emotions. The Award’s spotlight, though, was on the man behind the movie. In just one night, Sean Baker went from a filmmaker with no Oscars to a filmmaker with four Oscars, repeating the record of none other than Walt Disney. Baker picked up awards for the original screenplay and directing. Since he also edited and produced Anora, he had to take the stage two more times. That’s the kind of thing that’s more common in indie projects than in blockbusters, isn’t it? Either way, we appreciated his brief but heartfelt speeches.

Surprise, surprise

In total, Anora took home five Oscars, but one of the most talked-about surprises online was Mikey Madison winning Best Actress in a Leading Role over Demi Moore. There’s no debate – both delivered outstanding performances. While Mikey is just launching a career in Hollywood (and doing it spectacularly), Demi Moore’s intense and fearless portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle marked an ice-breaker after years of silence. Yet, the recognition didn’t follow.

As someone wrote on Reddit: “It’s so ironic she loses for her role in The Substance to a 25-year-old.” (Which is probably the most “The Substance-y” thing that could happen to her). Maybe ironic, but surely not unfair. Again, Mikey’s performance in “Anora” was spot on, and I, personally, am very happy for her. However, many connect this decision to the Academy’s everlasting refusal to acknowledge horrors. Well, at least “The Substance” scored an Oscar for makeup and hairstyling, which they fully deserved.

Best cinematography winner

A 3,5-hour monumental movie about a Holocaust survivor, “The Brutalist” pocketed three Academy awards: for the Actor in a Leading Role (meaning the second Oscar for Adrien Brody), the Best Score, and its outstanding cinematography. I massively enjoyed watching the movie and admired Lol Crawley’s work. However, it’s a bummer that epic visuals of “Dune: Part Two” left empty-handed. Maybe because the masterful approach of Greig Fraser already got a cinematographer’s nod for the first part of this sci-fi beauty?

At the same time, “Dune: Part Two” went home with two well-deserved Oscars for the best sound and visual effects. To no one’s surprise.

The reactions follow

Well, this was a massive night for Sean Baker. His fans triumph all over the Internet, alongside indie genre lovers. Reactions have split into three groups. The first celebrates Anora‘s success and encourages others to explore Sean Baker’s earlier films, like Tangerine and Red Rocket – with some even arguing those are superior to Anora.

Commenters from the second group don’t understand the hype of this comedy drama and call it “a safe choice.” They either liked it but were surprised that it won so many awards or didn’t like it at all but admired its low-budget indie approach.

Indie film lovers, in turn, jubilate the fact that more and more indie productions get the Academy’s recognition. They hope that “Anora” resonates with studio executives, and this will increase financial support for independent projects. Let’s hope that too!

All Oscar winners 2025

You can find the full list with all winners in 23 categories here. 

What do you think about the Oscar race results? Were there any (un-) pleasant surprises for you? Which movie was left out unfairly, in your opinion? And what win brought you the most joy? Let’s discuss the Academy Awards in the comments!

Feature image source: ABC News / A.M.P.A.S. 2025.