The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony, held in Los Angeles, offered a mix of familiar faces, surprise wins, and a palpable sense of industry change. From the dominance of films with strong international appeal to the divergent paths taken by the Oscars and Bafta, the night provided ample discussion points for film critics and audiences alike. Here are eight key takeaways from this year’s Oscars.
1. Cannes influence and the international focus
The 2025 Oscars were marked by the presence of films that had earlier premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, underscoring the growing influence of European cinema. Anora, which won Best Picture and Best Director, had been a standout at Cannes, with its strong international appeal leading it to be a dominant force this year. Cannes’ legacy continues to shape Hollywood’s awards season, as European filmmakers and co-productions garner more recognition across major categories, proving the internationalisation of the film industry is at its peak.
2. Hollywood steers clear of politics
In a political landscape shaped by US President Donald Trump’s administration, one might have expected the Oscars to provide a platform for political critique. However, the tone of the night remained largely free from overt political statements. While a few subtle references were made, including a shout-out to Ukraine from presenter Daryl Hannah and Conan O’Brien’s nod to Mikey Madison’s role in Anora, which sees her character standing up to a powerful Russian, the ceremony did not delve deep into criticism. The night was instead focused on the celebration of cinema, avoiding any sharp political commentary.
3. Stories of resistance and the power of cinema
Although the speeches were largely focused on thanking colleagues and loved ones, the stories told by the nominees provided a compelling narrative. The nominees shone a light on a variety of pressing issues, from resistance under tyranny in I’m Still Here and Dune: Part Two, to the representation of trans people in Emilia Pérez, the immigrant experience in The Brutalist, and the plight of sex workers in Anora. While the political climate might have been subdued, the storytelling itself spoke volumes, reflecting the defiance and resilience of the oppressed, the under-represented, and the marginalised.
4. Oscars producers handle LA Wildfires with grace
The devastating wildfires that affected Los Angeles County in the lead-up to the ceremony cast a shadow over the event, but the Oscars producers handled the situation with grace and sensitivity. Academy CEO Bill Kramer, President Janet Yang, and showrunner Raj Kapoor made sure to acknowledge the collective trauma felt by many in the room, many of whom had been directly affected by the disaster. Rather than dwelling on the tragedy, the ceremony embraced the defiance and resilience of the city, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Los Angeles community.
5. Oscars spread the love – but Anora reigns supreme
After Oppenheimer’s domination of the previous year’s awards, the 2025 Oscars offered a more diverse range of winners. While Anora took home the top honours of Best Picture and Director, the night was full of surprises, including Mikey Madison’s victory for Best Actress in Anora, upsetting predictions. There were fewer clear-cut winners this year, with some categories offering real excitement, especially in the supporting roles where Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin were rewarded for their performances.
6. Universal’s international strategy pays off
Universal Pictures has made significant strides in the international market, with its diverse slate of films sweeping the nominations and taking home 10 awards from a record 25 nominations. The studio’s strategy to focus on films with broad global appeal was evident in its success with Anora, The Brutalist, and Wicked, among others. As the Academy’s membership becomes more international, Universal’s ability to identify and market films that resonate with global audiences has proven to be a winning strategy.
7. Divergence between the oscars and bafta
Unlike the previous year, where there was a high degree of overlap between the winners at the Oscars and the Baftas, this year saw a divergence in key categories. While Anora dominated the Oscars, taking Best Picture and Best Director, Bafta opted for Conclave and Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist in the same categories. Furthermore, the awards for Best Original Screenplay were split, with Sean Baker’s Anora winning at the Oscars, while Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain took the prize at Bafta. This reflects a healthy difference in taste and approach between the two prestigious bodies.
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8. Oscar and bafta craft awards align, editing diverges
In the world of craft categories, seven out of the eight that are common to both the Oscars and Bafta saw the same winners. The one exception was Best Editing, where Anora triumphed at the Oscars, while Conclave took the Bafta award. This discrepancy was not entirely surprising, given the different sensibilities of each institution, but it highlighted a subtle difference in how the two academies view cinematic craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscars ceremony proved to be an event full of surprises, with films showcasing a wide range of voices, from diverse international perspectives to stories of resistance, and Hollywood’s increasing recognition of global cinema. While the political climate may have been quieter than expected, the films themselves spoke volumes about the issues of the day. As the Oscars continue to evolve in an increasingly globalised and politically complex world, the divergence between major awards like the Oscars and Bafta is likely to become more pronounced, offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of the film industry.
