The 2025 Oscars showcased the remarkable talents of both first-time and returning winners, who celebrated their achievements backstage and shared their emotional reactions to receiving an Academy Award. This year's ceremony was a celebration of cinematic brilliance, with stars like Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin taking center stage.
Adrien Brody made headlines by securing his second Academy Award for Best Actor in the film *The Brutalist* on Sunday night. Reflecting on his victory, Brody expressed how this win felt different from his first. "Acting is a very fragile profession," he remarked during his acceptance speech. "It looks very glamorous, and at certain moments, it is. But the one thing that I've gained having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective." He emphasized that over two decades after his first win for *The Pianist*, this moment is even sweeter because it comes with a deeper understanding of the industry and the journey he has taken.
In a heartfelt moment, Mikey Madison received her first Oscar for Best Actress for her role in *Anora*. The young actress described the victory as a dream come true, joking that she might wake up and realize it was all a fantasy. This small yet powerful independent film, which boasts a crew of just 40 people, took home a total of five Academy Awards. Madison credited her success to Sean Baker, the film's director, writer, and editor. She stated, "I think that Sean is such an incredible filmmaker and has been making beautiful work for decades now. For this film to be the one that really puts him out there is so wonderful, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it."
Zoe Saldaña made history as she won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in *Emilia Pérez*, becoming the first American of Dominican origin to achieve this milestone. Despite feeling under the weather, Saldaña expressed gratitude for having her husband by her side throughout the night. "I'm happy he was there beside me. He has been prepping me all night and all morning," she shared, adding, "I woke up a little sick. It’s just been 10 months of this wonderful journey."
Kieran Culkin took home his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in *A Real Pain*. During his interview with Good Morning America, he discussed the significance of this win, noting that the idea of winning an Oscar had never been a part of his aspirations. "It was never a pursuit of mine. I have always been acting," he explained. "I think that's why it just means so much more to me." Culkin, who made his film debut at the age of 7 in *Home Alone*, conveyed that acting has been an integral part of his life, akin to daily routines like showering or eating.
The 2025 Oscars represented a momentous occasion in the film industry, highlighting the achievements of both seasoned actors and newcomers. Each winner shared their unique stories and emotions, reminding us of the hard work and dedication behind every performance. From Brody's seasoned perspective to Madison's fresh excitement, the night was a celebration of talent, diversity, and the magic of cinema.
