What aspiring actors can learn from the 2025 oscars.

The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, was a distinguished evening, honouring the finest achievements in cinema from the previous year with performances that not only captivated audiences but also offered invaluable lessons for aspiring actors. We’re delving deep into the biggest achievement of the night, the notable acting triumphs of the Oscars 2025 and exploring how emerging talents can glean and learn from these exemplary artists.

Mikey Madison's Transformative Performance in "Anora"
At just 25, Mikey Madison clinched the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the titular character in "Anora," a film that swept five Oscars, also including Best Picture. Madison's portrayal as a street-smart stripper entangled in a complex relationship with a Russian oligarch's son showcased her ability to embody a character with both depth and authenticity. Madison learned Russian, moved to New York to work on her Brooklyn accent and practised pole dancing.
Speaking about her nomination, Madison made it clear how astonished she was to be part of award talks stating:
“I know that I’m incredibly overjoyed, honoured, and humbled that our film is being recognised in this way. But I’m just processing it” and “it’s overwhelming and amazing”
Madison began her career at 16, working on student films and, at 16 secured her first breakthrough role as Pamela Aldon’s oldest daughter in the series ‘better things’. Now, less than 8 years later she has earnt her well deserved recognition and secures every actress’s dream achievement.
Entertainment Weekly

Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Embrace Complex Characters: Madison's willingness to delve into a multifaceted role underscores the importance of embracing complexity in character portrayals. Aspiring actors should seek out roles that challenge them to explore diverse human experiences.
• Commitment to Authenticity: Her commitment to authentically portraying the sex worker community emphasizes the importance of in-depth research and empathy in acting. Gaining a deep understanding of a character's background and circumstances enhances the authenticity of the performance.

Adrien Brody's Resonant Role in "The Brutalist"
Adrien Brody secured his second-Best Actor Oscar for his role in "The Brutalist," powerfully portraying László Toth, a Jewish-Hungarian architect who survives the Holocaust and confronts anti-Semitism in the United States. Brody's performance was praised for its emotional depth and historical resonance, earning widespread acclaim for its authenticity and impact.
Reuters

Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Historical Awareness: Brody's engagement with historical narratives emphasizes the significance of understanding the broader context of a character's story. Aspiring actors should appreciate the weight of historical events in shaping character motivations and actions.
• Advocacy Through Art: His acceptance speech, reflecting on themes of oppression and resilience, illustrates how actors can use their platforms to address societal issues, inspiring emerging talents to consider the impact of their work beyond the screen.

“No matter where you are in your career, no matter what you’ve accomplished, it can all go away. And I think what makes this night so special is the awareness of that, and the gratitude that I have to still do the work I love.”
In 2003, Brody became the youngest person to win the best actors award at the Oscars (age 29) for his role in ‘the pianist’, now he joins the likes of: Marlon Brando, Tom Hanks, and Anthony Hopkins in the elite few who have won the best actor award twice.


Zoe Saldaña's Ground-breaking Achievement in "Emilia Pérez"
Zoe Saldaña made history by becoming the first American actor of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, earning Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Emilia Pérez." Her portrayal of Rita, a lawyer aiding a Mexican drug lord's gender transition, was both powerful and nuanced.
biography.com
Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Cultural Representation: Saldaña's pride in her heritage underscores the importance of embracing one's cultural identity in the arts. Aspiring actors should seek opportunities that celebrate and authentically represent diverse backgrounds.
• Emotional Authenticity: She performs a tearful acceptance speech, acknowledging her immigrant parents, highlights the power of drawing from personal experiences to bring depth to performances.

Kieran Culkin's Compelling Performance in "A Real Pain"
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain," a film about two cousins exploring their Polish roots. He effortlessly navigated the character's internal struggle, portraying raw vulnerability and nuanced anger. It captured the essence of a man with profound pain delivering a performance that was powerful yet relatable.
Entertainment Weekly

Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Exploring Personal Narratives: Culkin's involvement in a story about familial connections emphasizes the richness found in personal and intimate narratives. Aspiring actors should consider roles that explore universal themes of identity and belonging.
• Collaborative Storytelling: Working under director Jesse Eisenberg, Culkin's performance highlights the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, encouraging actors to engage deeply with directors and co-stars to enrich their performances.

The famous brother, Macaulay Culkin revealed to Vanity Fair that he felt overwhelmed with the pride for his brother’s success and even shed a tear or two when Kieran was pronounced the winner. The brothers began their careers as child actors, performing together in “home alone” and truly showing the important of their bond and gratitude for each other’s success over the years. When Macaulay was asked if he expected his brother to win he replied:
“of course. Let’s be real. Were allowed to say it… he was front row, aisle, closest to the stairs. There was no way he was not going to win”
Kieran’s dedication to character portrayal and performance is something that young, upcoming actors should be inspired and encouraged by, looking for the best nuanced performance you can get by being persistent and true to your acting craft.

Paul Tazewell's Historic Win for "Wicked"
Whilst there were no acting awards, Paul Tazewell's win for Best Costume Design in "Wicked" marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Black man to receive this honour.
biography.com

Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Appreciation of Craftsmanship: Understanding the role of costume design in character development can enhance an actor's performance, and Tazewell's work is a prime example of this. Aspiring actors should collaborate with designers to fully realize their characters' visual identities.
• Breaking Barriers: Tazewell's achievement serves as inspiration for actors from underrepresented communities, highlighting the importance of diversity and perseverance in the arts. His designs mainly reflect a deep understanding of culture and historical context, bringing authenticity to the characters he creates.

“I’m the first black man to receive the costume design award… I’m so proud of this”
His dedication and passion for costume design is something to be admired, with him designing thousands of costumes for the big screen, whilst still keeping the authentic details and inspirations from its Broadway roots. Making a prominent mark on the costume design community with his iconic rendition of the Glinda bubble dress and Elphaba black dress that were simply breath taking and iconic.

Sean Baker's Directorial Excellence in "Anora"
Director Sean Baker's remarkable feat of winning four Oscars for "Anora"—Best Director, Original Screenplay, Film Editing, and Best Picture—underscores his multifaceted talent and dedication to storytelling. His storytelling is not just about plot - it's about human experiences and capture of emotions, conflict and growth.
biography.com

Lessons for Aspiring Actors:

• Director-Actor Synergy: Baker's collaborative approach with actors like Mikey Madison demonstrates the importance of building strong relationships with directors to bring out the best in a performance.
• Storytelling with Purpose: His focus on marginalized communities encourages actors to participate in projects that shed light on underrepresented stories, fostering empathy and social awareness through art. They are marked by his ability to craft deeply compelling narratives that resonate with audience on a deeper level.

Sean Baker is an inspiration for Indi Filmmakers making a direct comment of gratitude to the academy for the recognition of an independent film in “Anora” and the importance of supporting movie theatres and embracing the community that surrounds a cinema experience..
“We are all here tonight because we love movies. Where did we fall in love with movies? At the movie theatre.”
He further states
“in a time in which our world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever: it’s a communal experience that you simply can’t experience at home”

His success and prosperity for the future is to be closely followed, with his unique style and innovation being captivating for future directors. Baker is the first person to win four Oscars in the same year, for the same film and I doubt it will be his last.

The 2025 Oscars highlighted performances that were not only artistically exceptional but also rich with lessons for aspiring actors. Embracing complex characters, understanding historical and cultural contexts, collaborating effectively, and advocating for meaningful narratives are key takeaways from this year's honourees. By internalizing these insights, emerging actors can enrich their craft and contribute to a more diverse and empathetic cinematic landscape.

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Abbygail Morrison, Mia Long & Olivia Burley