Cover In this handout photo provided by The Academy, Oscar statuettes are seen backstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Richard Harbaugh / The Academy via Getty Images)
In this handout photo provided by The Academy, Oscar statuettes are seen backstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Richard Harbaugh / The Academy via Getty Images)
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Here’s a quick list of the breakthrough winners of the Oscar trophy at the recent 97th Academy Awards
Literally “defying gravity”, some of the winners at the 97th Academy Awards made history as the first ones from their racial background, identity, and more to win in their respective categories. Deserving the honour of holding the prestigious Oscar trophy, these winners have proven that daring to break the norm in their respective fields makes the win all the more special.
One of the past historic firsts worth noting include Adrien Brody’s win as Best Actor, who was dubbed as the youngest winner in the category for his enigmatic portrayal in The Pianist. Over two decades later, he earned the same award for the film The Brutalist in this year’s Oscars ceremony.
In case you missed it: Movie review: The emotional odyssey of ‘Anora’, Oscar nominee for Best Picture
Paul Tazewell, the first Black man to win Best Costume Design
Above In this handout photo provided by The Academy, (L-R) Elle Fanning, Connie Nielsen, Paul Tazewell, Bowen Yang, John Lithgow, and Lily-Rose Depp pose backstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Richard Harbaugh /The Academy via Getty Images)
In this handout photo provided by The Academy, (L-R) Elle Fanning, Connie Nielsen, Paul Tazewell, Bowen Yang, John Lithgow, and Lily-Rose Depp pose backstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Richard Harbaugh /The Academy via Getty Images)
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Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Jon M Chu’s Wicked recreated the wonderful land of Oz. To make it tactile, one of the integral components to its realisation was Paul Tazewell’s masterful take on costume design.
Earning a standing ovation from the star-studded guests, Tazewell received his award for the sensational movie-musical, marking him as the first Black man to win in this category.
“Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honor,” Tazewell said. “Thank you, everyone in the UK, for all of your beautiful work. I could not have done this without you.” He later thanked his “Ozian muses”, Erivo and Grande, as well as the rest of the cast for “trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This is everything.”
Another thing worth mentioning in this segment was when the category was being presented, Bowen Yang was onstage wearing his costume, sarcastically being frustrated for appearing ridiculous as the only one among other presenters who thought of wearing the costume.
Read more: Oscar nominee for Best Picture ‘Wicked’ evokes a ‘swankified’ take on the beloved Broadway musical
Zoe Saldaña, first American of Dominican origin to win Best Supporting Actress
Above Zoe Saldaña accepts the Best Actress In A Supporting Role award for ‘Emilia Perez’ onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
Zoe Saldaña accepts the Best Actress In A Supporting Role award for ‘Emilia Perez’ onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
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After winning awards from the major Oscar precursors such as the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, BAFTAs, and Screen Actors Guild, Saldaña’s win as Best Supporting Actress at the 97th Academy Awards was expected, to say the least. However, Saldaña’s powerful speech emphasised the importance of her win, adding it to the history pages of the Oscars and making her the third Latina to win in the said category.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961—I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” Saldaña emotionally said. “With dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted, this is for my grandmother.”
Saldaña was nominated for her role as Rita Moro Castro in Emilia Pérez. This is Saldaña’s first Oscar nomination and win.
Brazil’s first win in the Best International Feature category
Above Official trailer of ‘I’m Still Here’
Walter Salles’s politically-charged family drama I’m Still Here makes history for Brazil after winning the Best International Feature category. Starred by mother-daughter duo Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro, the film explores the decades-long search for justice of Eunice Paiva after her husband’s disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
