The 2025 Oscars have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of glitz, glamour, and golden statues. This year's ceremony, held in Los Angeles, saw the film Anora emerge as the big winner, snagging a total of five awards, including the coveted Best Picture prize. Other notable winners included The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Perez, and Wicked, each receiving multiple accolades.
'Conclave' Draws Mixed Reactions
While many celebrated the winners, not all films were met with universal acclaim. Conclave, in particular, has drawn criticism from some corners. One review described it as feeling more like an "HBO-TV movie" than a true cinematic experience, noting its "left-leaning" themes and "absurd ending." It seems not every Oscar contender can be a crowd-pleaser!
"Conclave is what I call an HBO-TV movie, a handsomely produced, left-leaning feature that never feels like a movie-movie."
It's always interesting to see how different films resonate with different audiences and critics. The Oscars are, after all, just one measure of success in the vast world of cinema.
Politics Take a Backseat
This year's Academy Awards broadcast seemed determined to avoid controversy. In a noticeable departure from previous years, the ceremony steered clear of overt political statements. According to Breitbart, Donald Trump's name was conspicuously absent, and even winners of a Netflix film with transgender themes avoided using the word "transgender" during their acceptance speeches.
This approach may have been an attempt to appeal to a broader audience and avoid alienating viewers with differing political views. It's a delicate balancing act for any awards show, especially in today's highly polarized climate.
KJ Smith's Controversial Suggestion
Despite the overall effort to avoid political topics, one moment did spark controversy. Actress KJ Smith suggested that the Black community should "start looking into" moving to Africa due to the current political climate in the United States. This comment, made on the red carpet, quickly generated buzz and debate online.
While the Oscars may have aimed for a less politically charged atmosphere, it seems that some level of controversy is almost inevitable in today's media landscape.
Ultimately, the 2025 Oscars were a night of celebration for the film industry, with Anora taking center stage. While some films faced criticism and political undertones were largely avoided, the event provided a snapshot of the current state of cinema and the ongoing conversations surrounding it.