Oscar 2025: Powerful Message on Palestinian Rights, 'No Other Land' Wins Best Documentary

Oscar 2025: Powerful Message on Palestinian Rights, 'No Other Land' Wins Best Documentary

March 3, 2025: The 97th Academy Awards marked several significant milestones, highlighting powerful messages on justice, diversity, and humanity. This year, "Anora" emerged as a major winner, capturing five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay, establishing itself as a unique force in the world of independent cinema.

However, the Oscar evening was not just about the number of awards won or the best films; it was illuminated by strong messages. Several major themes emerged:

1. 'No Other Land's Powerful Message: Ethnic Cleansing
   In the Best Documentary Feature category, "No Other Land" won, depicting the destruction of Palestinian villages in Masafer Yatta, West Bank. Directors Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham captured the violent attacks by Israeli settlers on the Palestinian community, illustrating their daily struggles. Although the film garnered awards worldwide, it faced obstacles in gaining distribution in the United States. However, when accepting the Oscar, Adra and Abraham called on the global community to pressure Israel to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and human rights abuses.

2. 'Anora' Puts the Humanity of Sex Workers in the Spotlight
   "Anora" tells a human story about a Russian-American stripper named Anora, whose life revolves around struggle and love. Director Sean Baker acknowledged the community of sex workers, who have shared their life experiences with him, and expressed his deep respect for them. Mikey Madison, Anora's lead actress, also honored and recognized the sex worker community, emphasizing her continued support for them.

3. Messages on Power, Hatred, and Human Rights
   Some artists used their speeches to send powerful messages about hatred, human rights, and democracy. Adrien Brody, accepting his Best Actor award, emphasized the importance of challenging hate to overcome historical trauma, while also calling for a healthier, more inclusive world.

4. Artists Break New Records
   Several artists broke records during this year's Oscars. Director Sean Baker made history by winning four awards in a single night for the same film—Best Director, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. Additionally, Paul Tazewell became the first African American man to win Best Costume Design for "Wicked," and Zoe Saldana made history as the first Dominican-American to win the Best Supporting Actress award.

5. The Power of Cinema and the Future of Hollywood
   Amid the glitz and glamour, the reality of Hollywood's struggle post-pandemic surfaced, with artists appealing to audiences to rediscover the magic of cinema. Sean Baker and Adrien Brody both highlighted the importance of the cinema experience and urged people to support movie theaters, especially independent ones, which have been struggling in the aftermath of COVID-19.

The 2025 Oscars will be remembered as a pivotal moment, not just for the awards won, but for the messages of diversity, human rights, and social justice that emerged.