The Best — and Worst — of the Best Pictures at the 97th Oscars

The 97th Academy Awards took place March 2 and honored the past year in cinema in a night full of glitz, glamor, drama and comedy. The Phoenix took a look at what set five of the winning films apart.

“Dune: Part Two”

“Dune: Part Two” is a visually stunning feat of filmmaking. The second half of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel is marked by masterful and thoughtful directing. A sequel to 2021’s “Dune: Part One,” the film follows Duke Paul Atreides as he seeks to avenge his father’s death.

“Dune: Part Two” builds on the grandiosity of sci-fi films established by “Interstellar” and the “Star Wars” franchise. The film was awarded for Visual Effects and Best Sound in recognition of the massive sand worms and weighty explosions created by artists Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer. 

Their achievement shines a light on the importance of well-crafted special effects. The film literally transcends worlds, depicting the antagonist’s planet in inky blacks and visualizing Paul’s trials within vast desert dunes.

There never seems to be a portion of the film that’s too loud or too quiet. Sound mixers Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill were awarded for balancing quiet breezes in the wind with cataclysmic explosions through audio design.

“Dune: Part Two” is available to stream on Netflix. 

“Wicked”

Taking home awards for Production Design and Costume Design, “Wicked” relays the first act of the hit broadway musical by the same name. At the same time, “Wicked” is also a prequel for “The Wizard of Oz,” following the life of Elphaba — The Wicked Witch of the West. 

Costume designer Paul Tazewell’s work took influence from the play, original film and its illustrious characters. Tazewell (“West Side Story,” “Hamilton”) invested loving care into his craft, likely contributing to his win, according to Teen Vogue. Between Glinda’s detailed dresses, Elphaba’s run-down clothes and the uniqueness of each school uniform, Tazewell’s costumes bring the characters to life.

Taking home Production Design, Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales created wonderfully large sets, bringing Oz to the silver screen. Spanning the fountain-filled Shiz University and gloriously green Emerald City, the attention to detail sucks in the audience, making them feel like real travelers to Oz.

“Wicked” serves as a superb stage-to-film adaptation and an accessible way for fans of the musical to watch several times over. 

“Wicked” is set to stream on Peacock March 21.

“The Brutalist”

Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” is a striking biography of a fictional Hungarian Jewish architect rebuilding himself in America after World War II. It was awarded Cinematography, Music (Original Score) and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Adrien Brody. 

Brody (“The Pianist,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”) renders a breathtaking performance as László Tóth. He morphs into the character and brings his emotions and pains to life. Twenty years after his first award for “The Pianist,” Brody earned his second Best Actor award, and the award for the longest speech in Oscars’ history at five-and-a-half minutes.

The film’s cinematography is likewise nothing short of beautiful, though the spectacle runs counter to that of real-life experiences of post-World War II Jewish architects, according to Forward. The score of “The Brutalist” — composed by Daniel Blumberg — parallels the film’s emotions. Its percussive sounds and biting interruptions mirror the style of architecture Tóth works with.

Clocking in at three-and-a-half hours, “The Brutalist” is an enchanting and emotional film of life after war. 

“The Brutalist” is available for purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV. 

“Emilia Perez”

Despite its 13 nominations, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” was only awarded two statuettes — Music (Original Song) for “El Mal” and Actress in a Supporting Role for Zoe Saldaña. 

Going into award season, “Emilia Perez” was a favorite of the academy, but not of the audiences. With its tone-deaf writing and droll directing, the film currently holds a 16% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. While the movie is entirely a musical, the quality of the singing is subpar, with the awarded “El Mal” not fairing much better.

Saldaña (“Avatar,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) was a ripe apple in a rotten bunch. Her acting and dedication stood out among the crowd of dull performances, yet aside from Saldaña’s energetic portrayal of a cartel lawyer, the film still falls flat with bland dialogue, a weak plot and nonsensical pacing.

“Emilia Perez” is available to stream on Netflix.

“Anora”

In a shocking twist to the night, Sean Baker’s “Anora” went home with five of its six nominations, including best picture. The plot chronicles sex worker Anora Mikheeva, played by Mikey Madison, marrying the son of a Russian oligarch and being forced to reckon with his volatile family. 

Madison (“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Scream”) won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Ani. Madison strikingly portray the sure headed dancer, going as far as learning Russian and pole-dancing to allow her to disappear into the character.

Director Sean Baker took home Directing, Film Editing and Writing (Adapted Screenplay). Known for his advocation for sex workers in his films, Baker’s (“Red Rocket,” “Tangerine”) palpable care for the community shines through with his three-dimensional characters. Baker’s comedic, and at times poignant, dialogue propels the hairbrained plot and shapes a meaningful story.

“Anora” is set to stream on Hulu March 17.