All The Historic Wins On Oscar Night
A look at the groundbreaking achievements of the 2025 Oscar winners who shattered records and made history.
The 2025 Oscars were not just another night of glitz and glamour; they were a celebration of groundbreaking achievements that redefined the landscape of cinema. With several firsts being celebrated, this year's Academy Awards showcased a diverse array of talent and stories that resonated with audiences worldwide. Here’s a closer look at the winners who made history on that unforgettable night.
Flow: A Milestone for Latvia
In a stunning upset, Flow, a dialogue-free animated film centered around feline adventures, took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This win marked a historic moment as it became the first Latvian film to ever win an Academy Award. The film's unique storytelling approach and stunning visuals captivated both audiences and critics alike, making it not only a cultural milestone for Latvia but also a significant achievement for independent cinema. Flow was also nominated for Best International Feature, showcasing its global appeal despite ultimately losing to Brazil's I’m Still Here.
Paul Tazewell: Breaking Barriers in Costume Design
Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell, who previously received nominations for his work in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, expressed immense pride during his acceptance speech. He acknowledged his inspirations, including stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who honored him with a standing ovation.
Zoe Saldaña: A Pioneering Moment for Dominican Americans
Zoe Saldaña’s victory in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in Emilia Pérez had her become first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on her family's immigrant journey and expressed hope that she would not be the last to achieve such recognition.
Brazil Celebrates Its First Oscar Win
After five previous nominations, Brazil finally clinched its first Oscar with I’m Still Here, winning Best International Feature. The film tells the poignant story of Eunice Paiva and her family's struggle against oppression during Brazil's military dictatorship. The narrative resonated deeply with Brazilian audiences, highlighting themes of resilience and activism that are particularly relevant today.
Adrien Brody: A Unique Achievement
Adrien Brody made history by becoming the first actor to win two Oscars for Best Actor in his first two nominations. His latest win was for his role in The Brutalist, adding to his earlier victory for The Pianist back in 2003 when he was also recognized as the youngest Best Actor winner ever at just 29 years old. Brody's ability to portray complex characters has solidified his place as one of Hollywood's most respected actors.
Sean Baker: Four Oscars in One Night
Sean Baker achieved an unprecedented feat by winning four Oscars in one night for his film Anora. He took home awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, Best Editing, and ultimately, Best Picture as one of its producers.
