Oscars 2025: Historic Wins, Latvian Triumph, and Brazil’s First Academy Award

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2025 saw a host of historic triumphs at the Academy Awards. Numerous nominees etched their names into the annals of cinema history by claiming victory, breaking records and becoming pioneers within the film industry.

This year at the Oscars, Latvia scored its initial victory, while Zoe Saldana made history for the Dominican community – as reported by TIME magazine. Here is a rundown of the most notable first-time achievements at this year’s ceremony.

In the 2021 Oscars, Latvia got its first win, and Zoe Saldana made history for Dominicans; here are the key milestones from this year’s event as reported by TIME.)

1. Flow becomes Latvia’s first Oscar winner

In a notable milestone, the animated film “Flow” took home the award for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, marking the very first Academy Award for Latvia. This dialogue-free, visually captivating movie was also the first independent production to claim victory in this category. Additionally, it received a nomination for Best International Feature, but that honor went to Brazil’s “I’m Still Here”.

2. Zoe Saldaña becomes the first American of Dominican Origin to win an Oscar

In a recent award ceremony, Zoe Saldaña was honored as the Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Emilia Pérez. During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to her family who emigrated to this nation, sharing, “My grandmother arrived in this land back in 1961.

As a child of hardworking immigrant parents with dreams and dignity, I’m honored to represent the first Dominican American to win an Academy Award. I believe there will be many more like me in the future.” Additionally, she became part of a small group of actors who have been recognized for their performances in non-English films nominated for Best International Feature.

3. Brazil wins its first Oscar

After five unsuccessful attempts, Brazil has triumphantly claimed its first Academy Award, with the film “I’m Still Here” taking home the Best International Feature accolade at this year’s Oscars. This compelling movie narrates the tale of Eunice Paiva, a woman whose husband mysteriously vanished during Brazil’s military regime.

Later on, Paiva transitioned into the role of a lawyer and an advocate. The movie has garnered significant acclaim in Brazil due to its impactful narrative. Interestingly, the film’s main actress, Fernanda Torres, was up for the Best Actress accolade; however, it was Mikey Madison who ultimately received the award.

4. Paul Tazewell becomes first black man to win for Costume Design

Paul Tazewell became the initial Black individual to be awarded the Oscar for Best Costume Design, which he received for his work on Wicked. In his acceptance speech, he expressed, “I am the inaugural Black recipient of the Oscar for Design.

I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished.” Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, two stars from Wicked who recognized his success by standing to applaud him. Tazewell has made significant contributions to Broadway, with hits like The Color Purple and In the Heights under his belt.

5. Sean Baker wins four Oscars in one night

At the 2025 Oscars, Anora had an extraordinary evening as director Sean Baker broke records by taking home four awards in a single year. He was honored with accolades for Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture. Moreover, the film’s lead actress, Mikey Madison, added to the success by winning Best Actress, making this movie one of the most triumphant films at the 2025 Academy Awards.

6. Adrien Brody wins his second Best Actor Oscar

Adrien Brody clinched two Best Actor titles with “The Brutalist”, making him unique as the only individual to do so from their initial two nominations. His first victory was in 2003 for “The Pianist”, where he portrayed a Holocaust survivor, and to this day, remains the youngest actor to win Best Actor.

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2025-03-03 09:23