The short film Anuja, backed by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, lost the 2025 Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film to I’m Not a Robot. Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja follows a young girl, played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a Delhi garment factory alongside her sister, played by Ananya Shanbhag. The film explores themes of responsibility and survival. Executive producers include Priyanka Chopra and Anita Bhatia, with key contributors such as Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, and Ksheetij Saini. Despite its compelling narrative and strong backing, Anuja could not secure an Academy Award win but remains a powerful cinematic achievement.

The directors of 'No Other Land', which won Best Documentary at the Oscars, called for urgent action against the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people." Palestinian journalist Basel Adra urged a "political solution" to the Gaza crisis, while Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham emphasized Palestinian-Israeli collaboration in making the film. "Our voices are stronger together," he said. The documentary follows a Palestinian family displaced by Israeli authorities in the West Bank. A co-production between Palestine and Norway, it previously won the Berlinale Documentary Award. The filmmakers condemned injustice and called for equal rights for both peoples.

At the 2025 Academy Awards, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated their notable 2003 Oscars kiss on the red carpet. In 2003, after winning Best Actor for "The Pianist," Brody spontaneously kissed Berry, who was presenting the award, a moment that sparked discussions about consent. This year, Berry approached Brody during his red carpet interview, playfully announcing to his partner, Georgina Chapman, "I have to do it," before kissing him. The trio shared laughter, with Chapman applauding the gesture. Berry later remarked, "I had to pay him back," highlighting the lighthearted nature of the reenactment. Brody, nominated for his role in "The Brutalist," had previously reflected on the 2003 incident, emphasizing it was never his intention to make anyone uncomfortable.

Selena Gomez dazzled at the 97th Academy Awards in a custom blush pink Ralph Lauren gown featuring 16,000 hand-embellished glass droplets. Inspired by Sophia Loren, the dress boasted an off-the-shoulder neckline, a figure-hugging silhouette, and a flowing train. She accessorized with Bvlgari jewelry, including a 10-carat diamond pendant. Gomez, whose song Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez was nominated for Best Original Song, embraced Hollywood glamour with soft waves and dewy makeup. Emilia Pérez led with 13 nominations, making it one of the night’s biggest contenders.

Zoe Saldaña, renowned for her roles in blockbuster franchises like "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," achieved a career milestone by winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Rita Castro in "Emilia Pérez." This victory follows a successful awards season, including wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In her emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña honored her immigrant heritage and expressed gratitude to her family and colleagues. "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, received 13 Oscar nominations, marking a significant achievement for a predominantly non-English language film. Saldaña's journey from sci-fi epics to Oscar glory highlights her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Sean Baker’s Anora won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards, marking its fifth win of the night. The film also secured Best Director (Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Baker, known for championing indie cinema, celebrated the recognition of a “truly independent film.” Anora, about a sex worker’s ill-fated romance with a Russian oligarch’s son, had previously won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Host Conan O’Brien wrapped up the night, calling it a “blast.”

Adrien Brody won Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for The Brutalist, securing his second Oscar. Mikey Madison earned Best Actress for Anora, defeating Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo. Sean Baker claimed Best Director for Anora. Dune: Part 2 took Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, while I'm Still Here from Brazil won Best International Feature Film. The Academy paid tribute to late stars like Gene Hackman and Maggie Smith. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, also honored the Bond legacy.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Their bodies, along with one of their dogs, were discovered by maintenance workers who alerted authorities. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate no external trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out. Hackman was found in a mudroom near the kitchen, while Arakawa was in a bathroom beside a space heater, with prescription pills scattered nearby, a detail investigators deem significant. The couple had been dead for several days; Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17. Investigations continue, with authorities consulting family members to reconstruct the couple's final days.

The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O'Brien hosting for the first time. In India, viewers can watch the live telecast on March 3 at 5:30 am IST on Star Movies and Disney+ Hotstar. The ceremony will feature performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, presenting a medley from the musical "Wicked." Notably, this year, live performances of Best Original Song nominees have been omitted, focusing instead on songwriters' personal reflections. Leading the nominations is "Emilia Pérez" with 13 nods, followed by "The Brutalist" and "Wicked," each securing 10 nominations. Indian audiences can also catch a repeat telecast on Star Movies and Star Movies Select at 8:30 pm IST. 

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025. A maintenance worker discovered their bodies alongside one of their dogs, prompting a 911 call. Hackman was located near the kitchen, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom with signs of decomposition. Initial investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or struggle, and carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out. Authorities are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results to determine the cause of death. Hackman, renowned for films like "The French Connection," had been married to Arakawa since 1991.