Zahir Nelson

The 97th Academy Awards were a night of triumph, recognition, and perhaps a few surprises. This year’s Oscars saw Anora take home the prestigious Best Picture award, while Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Brutalist and Mikey Madison secured Best Actress for Anora. With outstanding films and performances across various categories, the ceremony was a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.

A Night of Big Winners

Sean Baker’s Anora dominated the evening, securing both Best
Picture and Best Director, a testament to the film’s gripping storytelling and strong artistic vision. The performances of its cast were equally celebrated, with Mikey Madison winning Best Actress for her role in the film. Adrien Brody’s Best Actor win for The Brutalist also stood out, marking a significant moment in his career as he delivered a powerful performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin’s role in A Real Pain earned him the Best Supporting Actor award, while Zoe Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez won her Best Supporting Actress. These wins highlighted a year filled with diverse and emotionally compelling acting.

The Technical Excellence of Dune: Part Two

While Dune: Part Two didn’t win Best Picture, it was still widely recognized in technical categories, taking home awards for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. The film’s stunning cinematography, immersive design and breathtaking visual effects cemented its place as a sci-fi epic that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel has been widely praised, and its victories in these categories reaffirm the film’s technical brilliance.

A Personal Take: Wishing For More Wins For Dune: Part Two

As a Dune fan, I can’t help but feel that Dune: Part Two deserved even more recognition. The sheer scale of its storytelling, the depth of its world-building, and the incredible performances from its cast made it one of the most captivating films of the year. While I respect the Academy’s choices, I truly believed that Dune: Part Two had what it took to win Best Picture. Additionally, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul Atreides was nothing short of phenomenal. He brought a level of complexity and emotional weight to the character that was both compelling
and unforgettable. His ability to balance Paul’s internal struggle with the grandeur of his journey made for one of the year’s most gripping performances. Though Adrien Brody’s win for
The Brutalist was well-earned, I still wish Chalamet had taken home the award for Best Actor.

A Night to Remember

Despite my personal hopes for Dune: Part Two, this year’s Oscars were a celebration of exceptional talent and storytelling. The recognition of a wide range of films—from indie gems to big-budget spectacles—showcased the diversity of modern cinema. While every fan may have their own list of who should have won, the 97th Academy Awards ultimately honored the best of the best, making for another unforgettable night in Hollywood.

With Dune: Part Two still fresh in people’s minds, perhaps its
legacy will extend beyond awards, influencing future sci-fi films and continuing to be appreciated by audiences worldwide. Until then, we can only look forward to what next year’s Oscars will bring.