The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, which honored the best talents in cinema, was distinguished by a unique perspective thanks to the vision of the artist JR. Through his portraits, the French photographer captured the soul of the stars, far removed from the artifice of the red carpet.

A landmark event on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, this edition, hosted for the first time by Conan O'Brien, was punctuated with emotions, surprises and vibrant tributes to the seventh art.

Sean Baker's film Anora dominated the evening, sweeping five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. This poignant drama tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, offering a profound reflection on contemporary social dynamics.

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist , where he portrays László Tóth, a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor. This complex and moving character allowed Brody to demonstrate the breadth of his talent once again.

The Best Supporting Actress category saw Zoe Saldaña crowned for her performance in Emilia Pérez . Despite the film's 13 nominations, a record for a non-English language film, it only won two awards, sparking discussions about the dynamics of the film industry.

JR at the Oscars: the art of portraiture at the service of the seventh art

Alongside the awards, the evening was enhanced by a unique artistic initiative. French artist JR, known for his monumental photographic installations, was invited to capture portraits of the nominees and winners. 

JR, whose real name is Jean René, is a contemporary artist who blends street art and photography. His often large-scale works explore notions of identity, freedom, and social engagement. For the Oscars, he chose to photograph the actors in moments of vulnerability and authenticity, far from the spotlight and glitz. 

The 2025 Oscars were a celebration not only of cinema, but also of art in all its forms. The awards honored exceptional talent, while JR's initiative offered a fresh and enriching perspective on these artists. This edition will be remembered as a harmonious encounter between cinema and urban art, celebrating human creativity in all its splendor.

For more information about the artist, see JR.