On March 2, Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards, took place in Los Angeles. While there were well-earned victories, the results also left lingering questions of whether these wins were driven by merit or curated to align with current trends.
Best Picture – “Anora”
Historically, the Academy Awards love a good underdog narrative, but this year’s Best Picture winner feels less like a stunning triumph and more like an expected compromise. Directed by Sean Beaker, Anora tells the story of a prostitute navigating love, power, and survival in a society that refuses to see her as anything but disposable. It’s raw, it’s timely, and it’s exactly the kind of film that the Academy seems to love. However, was it truly the best movie of the year? Some critics aren’t so sure. While Anora is undeniably a nuanced film, some critics feel its victory is due to cultural relevance, rather than its unique cinematic excellence. This poses the question: Will Anora stand the test of time as a true cinematic landmark, or will it just become another film that won because it felt “necessary”?
Best Actor – Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”
In a tight race, Adrien Brody secured Best Actor for his role as Lázló Tóth in “The Brutalist.” Brody’s performance was intense, portraying an amazing depth of emotion. It was the kind of role that Oscar voters have long been drawn to — emotionally heavy, physically grueling, and steeped in suffering. Meanwhile, runner-up Colman Domingo was equally praised for his part in “Rustin,” presenting a compelling counterpart rooted in how he quietly exerted authority throughout the film. Though Brody’s success was well-earned, it reaffirmed Hollywood’s tendency to favor performances that wear their hardship visibly.
Best Actress -— Mikey Madison in “Anora”
In a night full of controversy, Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win for her role in “Anora” felt genuinely deserved. Her performance embodied a character who was as captivating in her silence as she was in her outbursts. It’s no surprise that Hollywood has long rewarded women who play roles surrounded by tragedy, whether that be grieving mothers, suffering wives, or lost heroines. However, Madison’s portrayal presented a protagonist who at the forefront was complex, sharp, and unwilling to be reduced to victimhood. The win not only recognized an outstanding performance, but also marked a promising shift in Hollywood’s recognition of female leads. Madison’s victory feels like a win for films and stories that allow women to exist beyond their pain.
Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez”
This year, Zoe Saldaña was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Perez, making history as the first Dominican American to win in the category. In addition, the film won two awards out of its thirteen nominations. Despite the success the music drama saw this season, the Mexican and LGBTQIA+ communities voiced derisive criticism for the film’s misrepresentation of the transgender experience, Mexican culture, and the ongoing drug war. Crowning Saldana as Best Supporting Actress displayed the Oscars’ increasingly out-of-touch attitude, resulting in the apparent decline of the event. Considering this, the award might have been better suited for Ariana Grande’s stellar performance as Glinda in Wicked, where she showcased impressive vocal abilities.
Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain
For Best Supporting Actor, Kieran Culkin took home the win for his role as Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain. A Real Pain follows Benji Kaplan and his cousin David on a journey through Poland in honor of their late grandmother. The award was generally regarded as well deserved, with his endearing speech about his wife becoming a fan favorite of the night. With this same authenticity, Culkin captivated audiences with his character’s effortless humor.
Visual Effects – Dune: Part 2
This category carried stiff competition with many worthy nominations including Alien: Romulus, Better Man, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Wicked and Dune: Part Two. Ultimately, Dune won, with Gerd Nefzer, Paul Lambert, Rhys Salcombe, and Stephen James accepting the award on behalf of the project. The sequel set a high precedent for the industry, featuring monumental environments, bazooka attacks, and massive sand worms. The seamless CGI throughout the film made it an undoubtedly deserving winner.
