An Oscars Night of Firsts, Triumphs for Independent Cinema, and a Tech Glitch

The 2025 Academy Awards celebrated milestones and historic achievements, marking a night of firsts and a significant triumph for independent cinema.

The independent film Anora dominated the night, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay (Sean Baker), and Best Editing (Sean Baker).

Sean Baker made history by becoming the first director ever to win four individual Oscars in a single night for the same film. This unprecedented achievement surpasses even Walt Disney’s record from 1954, when he won four statuettes for different films. Anora‘s success underscores the power of independent cinema in telling bold and resonant stories, offering a message of hope and inspiration to filmmakers operating outside the traditional studio system.

During his Best Director acceptance speech, Baker took a moment to express his deep love for the theatrical experience, reading a heartfelt message advocating for the protection of the big screen. He emphasized the importance of preserving cinemas as spaces for collective storytelling and artistic expression, reinforcing the vital role they play in fostering culture and community.

Another major moment came with Zoe Saldaña, who won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Pérez. The film itself was a standout, earning widespread acclaim for its bold storytelling and unique musical approach, further proving the versatility of its cast and director Jacques Audiard’s visionary filmmaking.

In a historic win, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to receive the Oscar for Best Costume Design, honored for his exceptional work on Wicked. 

Another historic first came with Latvia’s first-ever Oscar win, as Flow triumphed in the Best Animated Feature Film category, bringing global attention to the country’s growing film industry.

The evening was hosted by Conan O’Brien, who delivered a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. In one of the night’s most poignant gestures, O’Brien opened the show with a tribute to the firefighters who battled the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier in the year. He took a moment to recognize their bravery and dedication, earning a standing ovation from the audience. His words highlighted not only the resilience of the city but also the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Despite the night’s celebrations, some viewers faced unexpected frustration due to technical issues with Hulu’s live stream of the Oscars. Many subscribers experienced crashes, login errors, and even a premature termination of the broadcast, leading to widespread complaints on social media. Hulu later apologized for the disruptions, assuring users that the full ceremony would be made available for on-demand viewing.

Overall, it was a night that not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also broke barriers, setting new precedents for the future of the Academy Awards.

Giosafat Rigano’, Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles with actress Zoe Saldana and Alessandra Mantegazza, Creative Industries Desk during Italian Film Festival “Filming Italy 2025”