Brian TruittUSA TODAY
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Yes, "Anora," your Cinderella story is complete.
Filmmaker Sean Baker's indie romantic dramedy, a Gen Z take on "Pretty Woman," cleaned up at the 97th Academy Awards with five honors, including best picture, best director and best actress for Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody took home his second best actor Oscar for "The Brutalist," the historical epic that picked up three wins. Kieran Culkin snagged best supporting actor for "A Real Pain," while Zoe Saldaña got best supporting actress for Netflix's "Emilia Pérez." And although "Wicked" only won a couple of trophies, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo pulled off a rousing musical medley to kick off the night.
Here are all the major highlights and big winners from the Oscar red carpet and the Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien:
'Anora' wins best picture, the big prize of the night
"Anora" is the little indie movie that could, winning best picture and taking down more conventional Oscar contenders like "The Brutalist" and "Conclave." "Long live independent film," says director Sean Baker, whose four-Oscar night ties Walt Disney's record haul from 1954.
Mikey Madison makes it four Oscars for 'Anora'
Demi Moore's day will have to wait, because Mikey Madison just won best actress for "Anora." "Wow, this is very surreal," says a nervous Madison. She grew up in LA, but "Hollywood felt so far away for me." Like Sean Baker, she honors the sex-worker community and says meeting those women was "one of the highlights of this experience."
'Anora' hat trick! Sean Baker gets his third win of the night, for best director
Sean Baker is on a roll, getting the best director Oscar for "Anora." He makes his speech about the importance of movie theaters and making films for the big screen. "At a time in which the world is more divided, this is more important than ever," he says. His mother introduced him to the cinema when he was 5 years old, and Baker dedicates the Oscar to her on her birthday.
Adrien Brody gets his second best actor win for 'The Brutalist'
Another TimothéeChalamet victory wasn't to be: Adrien Brody takes the best actor Oscar for "The Brutalist," the film's third win of the night. "Thank you, God, for this blessed life," Brody says. "Acting is a very fragile profession," he adds, and perspective has taught him that "it can all go away. What makes this night so special is the awareness of that and the gratitude that I still get to do what I love."
He thanks his mom and dad for creating "such a strong foundation of respect and kindness. They've given me the strength to pursue this dream." Brody also points out that he's at the Oscars again playing a Holocaust survivor – he won his first best actor Oscar for "The Pianist" – and representing "the lingering traumas and repercussions" of war, antisemitism and racism. "I pray for a happier and more inclusive world," Brody says, hoping history can teach us that "hate cannot go unchecked. Let's fight for what's right."
Conan O'Brien gets political, Queen Latifah leads Quincy Jones tribute
Conan O'Brien cracks a timely political joke, pointing out the success of "Anora": "I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian." "The Brutalist" scores its second Oscar win of the night for, yes, original score, and then Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg come to the stage to introduce a tribute to producer and composer Quincy Jones.
"He was love lived out loud in human form," Winfrey said of Jones, who cast her in her first film, "A Color Purple." Queen Latifah also pays homage, singing a lively rendition of "Ease on Down the Road" from "The Wiz," which gets Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo up on their feet and dancing.
'The Brutalist,' 'I'm Still Here' notch Oscar wins for cinematography, international film
"The Brutalist" finally gets on the scoreboard, winning the Oscar for cinematography. And best international film goes to Brazil's "I'm Still Here," which takes down leading nominee "Emilia Pérez" and animated favorite "Flow." (It's also up for best picture later.)
Morgan Freeman honors late co-star Gene Hackman as part of in memoriam tribute
After "I'm Not a Robot" is named best live-action short, Morgan Freeman arrives to pay tribute to friend and "Unforgiven" co-star Gene Hackman to kick off the in memoriam segment. "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and his gifts elevated everyone's work," Freeman says. "He won the hearts of film lovers all over the world." Hackman gets special treatment at the end of the program, as do David Lynch and James Earl Jones.
Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco make an early exit from the Oscars, leaving the theater during the in memoriam as he holds her coat and handbag. On their way out, a Los Angeles fire department officer asks her to sign his 9-year-old daughter's handmade autograph book. Emma Stone is also spotted talking to Blackpink member Lisa and posing for a photo together.
Live from the Oscar bar again: Emma Stone meets up with 'The Brutalist' crew
During a commercial break, Emma Stone beelines over to Adrien Brody, who’s been holding court at the bar for a good chunk of the show, and she grabs his shoulder while he whispers in her ear. After hugging Brody’s girlfriend Georgina Chapman and the actor's "The Brutalist" co-star Alessandro Nivola, Stone orders a white wine and chats up Margaret Qualley, who’s waiting for drinks with husband Jack Antonoff. Meanwhile, Stone’s spouse, Dave McCary, stands off to the side by himself, sipping a tiny bottle of Don Julio tequila while he watches the show on the monitor.
'Dune: Part Two' wins two technical Oscars
Miles Teller and Miley Cyrus, an oddball pairing for sure, arrive to start a flurry of technical Oscars. First up is best sound – "Sound is what I do, Miles," Cyrus purrs – which goes to "Dune: Part Two." The sci-fi sequel also snags best visual effects, so that "Dune" sandworm is gonna par-tay tonight, y'all.
'Dune' sandworm strikes back, Karla Sofía Gascón grabs champagne and attention
Conan O'Brien brings the "Dune" sandworm back for a bit – now he's playing the harp – before the documentary categories. "The Only Girl in the Orchestra" wins best documentary short – it's on Netflix and quite good if you have a chance to stream it! – while "No Other Land" is named best documentary feature.
Meanwhile in the Dolby Theatre, Dennis Quaid hangs back in the bar area drinking white wine, while Willem Dafoe charges his phone on the other side of the room and Jeremy Strong walks back to his seat with a drink in hand but not before stopping to snap a smartphone photo of his date by the entrance. Jeff Goldblum and Felicity Jones share a laugh as they walk out of the theater during commercial break, while Kit Connor and Michael Gandolfini chitchat as they stroll over to the bar together.
Karla Sofía Gascón also went to the lobby bar, followed by a crew of curious. Gascón walked up to Adrien Brody and they spoke for about a minute, with Brody speaking closely to the actress’ ear to keep from being overheard. When a reporter asked Gascón about her night, a publicist brushed her aside saying, “She’s having a wonderful night and now she is going to have a glass of champagne.” Gascon smiled and ordered before returning to the theater.
'Wicked' brings production design Oscar home to the Yellow Brick Road, 'Emilia Pérez' takes best song
"Wicked" takes the production design Academy Award – it's second win of the night – and if you've seen the movie, you get it. The musical is pretty darn cool to look at. And speaking of singing people, Mick Jagger hits the stage to give out the original song Oscar and garners a standing ovation. "I wasn't the first choice. Producers really wanted Bob Dylan to do it" but Dylan said no because "all the best songs" were in "A Complete Unknown," Jagger quips. The Oscar goes to "El Mal," giving "Emilia Pérez" its second Oscar of the evening as well, and Diane Warren goes home empty-handed once again for the 16th time. (Though she does have an honorary Academy Award!)
Zoe Saldaña makes history, wins supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez'
"Anora" gets its second win of the night as Sean Baker snags best editing. "I saved this film in the editing. This director shouldn't work again," the filmmaker quips. (He also directed, FYI.) As we all wonder if "Anora" might actually pull off a best picture win here, Zoe Saldaña is named best supporting actress for "Emilia Pérez" to no one's shock. "Mommy!" she cries to her mother when accepting her first Oscar. She thanks the "love and community" shared by her fellow nominees and thanks her family: "Everything brave and outrageous and good I've ever done is thanks to you." She also says she's the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award and "I hope I won't be the last."
Wooooo! 'The Substance' wins an Oscar! Plus James Bond gets a musical tribute
It has a chance at best picture, it should take best actress but "The Substance" is officially an Oscar winner. The bonkers body horror flick with Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley wins for best makeup and hairstyling. Tonight, Monstro Elisasue shall celebrate.
Afterward, Halle Berry takes the stage for a fun montage and then Margaret Qualley dances with a bunch of guys in tuxes for a tribute to all things James Bond. Which Amazon will hopefully make a TV show that crosses over with "Reacher" because a non-secret-agent man can dream. But that's not all: Lisa from Blackpink sings "Live and Let Die," Doja Cat does "Diamonds Are Forever" and Raye closes with "Skyfall."
Best picture hopefuls 'Anora,' 'Conclave' take screenplay Oscars
"Anora" gets its first big win of the night: Sean Baker wins his first Oscar, for original screenplay, for "Anora." He thanks his cast who "who elevated everything I wrote and made me look very good" and the sex-worker communities he's worked with over the years: "I share this with you."
The other best picture favorite gets the other writing Oscar, as "Conclave" wins for adapted screenplay. In a sweet moment, Peter Straughan dedicates the win to his daughter but adds, "That's not saying this is yours. It's not like that jumper you keep taking. This is mine."
What everybody does get in the crowd is a little treat: Each seat in the Dolby Theatre has a box under it with bottled water, a soft pretzel, mustard, Milk Duds and a note/drawing from O'Brien.
Colman Domingo is the behind-the-scenes Oscar MVP
We'll see if he wins a best actor trophy tonight but Colman Domingo is the most popular guy in the Oscar crowd. He and Lupita Nyong'o give each other a kiss on the cheek before they head over to chat with Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater and Cynthia Erivo. Domingo and Erivo walk over to hug Ralph Fiennes, and then Domingo blows a kiss to Jeff Goldblum and also shakes Yura Borisov’s hand.
In non-Domingo news, supporting actress nominees Fernanda Torres and Monica Barbaro share a big embrace during the commercial break.
Bowen Yang wins the costume design presentation, 'Wicked' takes home the Oscar
Lily-Rose Depp, Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, Connie Nielsen and Bowen Yang are out to present the costume design Oscar and represent their respective nominated films. Yang, rocking his Shizz University student wear, is the only one actually wearing their costume. "Et tu, Lithgow?" he quips. All good, though, because "Wicked" costume designer Paul Tazewell becomes the first Black man to win the category.
By the way, this is how all Oscar technical awards should be handled: make it entertaining, with the stars of the movies. Good luck following that, best editing!
Lots of love going on in the Oscar crowd, especially with the 'Wicked' crew
Everybody's in their feelings in the Oscars early going. When presenting the animated feature category, Andrew Garfield seemingly kisses Goldie Hawn’s hand during the nominee package. (He also was affectionate during Saturday rehearsals, where he hugged Hawn and gently kissed her on the top of the head as they practiced.) During commercial, Colman Domingo reaches over to shake Emma Stone’s hand and blow her kisses while she’s seated in the middle of the second row. There's also a "Wicked" group hug/selfie going on with Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu and Grande's mom.
'Flow' takes the animated movie prize and cartoon cats purr their approval
Now here's the first upset of the night: "Flow," a wordless Latvian film about a cat and his animals pals traversing a flooded landscape, takes the Oscar for best animated feature, defeating bigger studio movies like "The Wild Robot" and "Inside Out 2." ("Flow" is in contention for best international film as well.) The Oscar for animated short goes to "In the Shadow of the Cypress."
No surprise here: Kieran Culkin wins the supporting actor Oscar, makes great Oscar speech
Robert Downey, last year's supporting actor winner, comes out to present the honor to this year's victor. He shouts out each one, calling Kieran Culkin "The Culk." On this night, Culk smash! The "A Real Pain" star finishes an awards-season sweep with an Oscar. "This means a lot coming from you," Culkin says to Downey. "I have no idea how I got here. I've been acting my entire life," he adds, thanking his manager and co-star/director Jesse Eisenberg. He also mentions how he wanted a third kid with his wife Jazz Charton during an acceptance speech at the Emmys a year ago, and recounts afterward how she said "I'll give you four if you win an Oscar." "I say this to you, love of my life: I'm really sorry I did this again and let's get cracking on those kids," Culkin quips.
Oscar host Conan O'Brien spoofs 'The Substance,' jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón
Conan O'Brien does a bit spoofing "The Substance" to start his hosting gig. The "four-time Oscar viewer" comes on the stage and tells everyone to sit down. "You never stood, OK," he says. O'Brien jokes about how he looks his age, the early time of the awards ("Everyone just had brunch!") and various movie titles: "A Complete Unknown" and "A Real Pain" were "some of the things I was called on the red carpet."
He makes a jab at "Wicked," saying it's for people who watched "The Wizard of Oz" and "wondered where all the minor characters went to college," and also "Conclave": "It's about the Catholic Church but don't worry." O'Brien tackles "Anora" as well: It "uses the f-word 479 times. That's three more than the record set byKarla Sofía Gascón's publicist."
After a controversial awards season, Gascón is in the crowd tonight and O'Brien tells her, "Remember: If you're going to tweet about the Oscars, my name is Jimmy Kimmel." She laughs and seems to get a kick out of it.
In the crowd, O'Brien points out Adam Sandler wearing a hoodie and gym shorts. Sandler is faux offended, but it's pretty much a gag just so Sandler can go over to Timothee Chalamet and shout "Chalamet!!!" (Absolutely worth it. No notes, guys.) Then O'Brien launches into a musical number about not wasting time, which features a "Dune" sandworm playing piano and dancing Deadpool.
The Academy Awards kick off with a 'Wicked' tribute to LA
"There's no place like home." The Oscars start with Judy Garland and her ruby shoes from "The Wizard of Oz" and roll out a montage of movie scenes from "La La Land," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and other films to honor LA. Ariana Grande first comes out to sing a stirring rendition of "Over the Rainbow," and then her "Wicked" co-star Cynthia Erivo arrives to belt "Home" from "The Wiz" to stick with the theme. Of course, they then meet each other on center stage and hold hands to do "Defying Gravity." Erivo kills the big part at the end to make sure everyone gets the chills. Standing ovation, naturally.
Oscar guests rush to their places before the show starts
With only 10 minutes to go, Felicity Jones is standing by the bar chatting with her "The Brutalist" co-star Guy Pearce, who’s sipping champagne. Willem Dafoe is also chilling by the bar, which has since closed as everyone starts shuffling to their seats.
Whoopi Goldberg is in the house, with a purple gown so long her friend is holding it up so she can get through the crowd. Goldberg's got a whole process: She stops to greet Wolfgang Puck, and the friend drops the gown. She and Wolfgang take photos, then the dress train is picked up and Goldberg makes her way into the theater.
Filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Jon M. Chu are some of the last folks inside. Adrien Brody also makes a late entrance, shaking hands and smiling as he’s rushed into the theater. Somehow Timothée Chalamet is still on the carpet despite the urgent “last call” on the loud speaker. Jeremy Strong shot through the lobby. “Meet here, right?” he said to his date mid stride while rushing off in full Roy Cohn mode.
Meanwhile Nick Offerman is on center stage: “I am your announcer for the evening.” Only minutes left until Conan O'Brien and Co. get the show started.
Live from the Oscar seats: Rachel Zegler needs to get to the ball on time
Rachel Zegler gets ushered to the front of the elevator line in order to get to her seat on time, sweetly thanking and waving at fans who tell her she looks beautiful. With just 20 minutes until showtime, Jesse Eisenberg is having an animated conversation with a group by the lobby entrance, while Rachel Sennott, in a sparkling pink dress, walks hand in hand with her tuxedoed date. Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend smile as their tickets are checked at the door, but don’t acknowledge the guests shouting her name and filming on their smartphones. But Lupita Nyong’o took a photo with a fan (in the bathroom line!). Lots of fangirling happening, in general.
Who's going to win the Oscar acting categories? (Or: Is it Demi Moore's night?)
Both Kieran Culkin ("A Real Pain") and Zoe Saldaña ("Emilia Pérez") are locks for the supporting races. But there is some drama to be had in the lead acting categories. While Brody ("The Brutalist") won an early Golden Globe for best actor, Chalamet came on late with momentum and scored the SAG trophy – at this point, he might be the safest bet, considering six of the last seven SAG winners also won Oscar. Meanwhile best actress is up for grabs between Moore (SAG, Critics Choice and Globe wins) and Madison (BAFTA win). Given Moore's four-decade history in Hollywood and her comeback narrative with "The Substance," she's the favorite. See more of our predictions here.
Speaking of Moore, she smiled some hellos while sailing to her seat in the Dolby Theatre, surviving one interloper stepping on her trailing gown. Selena Gomez did not even stop, swanning to her place. "Wicked" star Marissa Bode is the star of the lobby, waving to FaceTime calls and posing for selfies with fans. Meanwhile Bernie Taupin, who's rocking sunglasses, and Brandi Carlile are hanging out in a corner, talking in animated conversations and taking photos.
Mindy Kaling, Joe Locke mingle with fans in Academy Awards lobby
Mindy Kaling, shimmering in a silver Oscar de la Renta gown, walks into the Dolby Theatre lobby and is immediately greeted by multiple fans asking for selfies. “Heartstopper” and "Agatha All Along" breakout Joe Locke, wearing a glittery gold vest, similarly obliges someone’s picture request, while “Queer” actor Omar Apollo sits and scrolls on his smartphone in a mesh veiled headpiece.
Live from the Oscar bar: Jeff Goldblum and salmon pizza
We're starting to get reports from our people on the inside at the Academy Awards. "Nickel Boys" star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is one of the first stars to hang out in the Dolby Bar. Tired from the red carpet walk, with her long train bunched up next to her, the star enjoyed some hors d’oeuvres including steak tartar and salmon pizza. Outside, Jeff Goldblum arrived making conversation while wearing the largest purple corsage ever and enjoying snacks.
Governors Ball continues to be the Oscar after-party
The Dolby Theatre isn’t just venue to the Oscars ceremony – it’s also the place where stars will get down at the Governors Ball, the famed official after-party where stars enjoy decadent desserts from Wolfgang Puck and munch on iconic chocolate Oscars statues. It’s also where winners go to get their trophies engraved. This year’s Governors Ball promises to be no less luxurious than in years past. There’s going to be a Don Julio bar serving an assortment of custom mixed tequila drinks. Also on the menu? Dassai Blue sake – which is a first-time Oscars partner – as well as Lallier champagne and Clarendelle Bordeaux wine.
What movie is predicted to win the best picture Oscar?
The romantic dramedy "Anora" had picked up some momentum winning the top awards from the directors' and producers' guilds –a strong bellwether for Oscar victory. But at last week's Screen Actors Guild Awards, papal thriller "Conclave" upended "Anora" to win best ensemble. That and a win for best movie at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) could give it the edge.
There's been no clear frontrunner this entire Oscar cycle, so we might be in for a surprise tonight: If "The Brutalist" cleans up the technical awards early in the night, that could foretell a win, or a perhaps a dark horse like the music biopic "A Complete Unknown" or acclaimed body horror movie "The Substance" – with key filmmaking and acting nods – could be an upset in waiting.
Which celebrities will be presenting at the Academy Awards? (Hint: Not Harrison Ford.)
If you were hoping to see Indiana Jones tonight, well, you better stream "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Harrison Ford was supposed to present at the Oscars but dropped out due to shingles. (Which honestly is a really good reason.) There will still be plenty of A-list talent taking the stage, though.
Last year's victors in the four acting categories − Robert Downey Jr.,Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cillian MurphyandEmma Stone − will all be there to welcome the next class of winners. Other famous names on tap include Halle Berry,Scarlett Johansson,Sterling K. Brown, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Oprah Winfrey,Gal Gadot,Samuel L. Jackson andRachel Zegler.
Who is hosting this year's Oscars show?
Comedian and talk show host Conan O'Brien is the latest to emcee the glitzy event. Four-time host Jimmy Kimmel did it a year ago but chose not to in 2025 because he "didn't want to deal with" juggling the Academy Awards with his late-night gig.
At an Oscar news conference last week, O'Brien, 61, said he consulted with former hosts like Billy Crystal ("He's the all-time great") and will address the challenging political climate but promised not to bog the show down with divisive jokes. "As the host, I cannot ignore the moment we’re in," O'Brien said. "But we’re threading the needle, and we have to remember what we’re celebrating and infuse the show with positivity. It’s a difficult line to walk, but I’m determined to figure it out."
Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Marco della Cava, David Oliver, Patrick Ryan, Jay Stahl and Charles Trepany
