When the Oscars Become a Stage for Social Visibility
By Emiliano Rodríguez Nuesh and María Morena Vicente
The Academy Awards have always been more than just a celebration of filmmaking. Every year, they offer a moment—sometimes unexpected, sometimes intentional—where the world stops to acknowledge stories that challenge, provoke, and demand to be seen. This year, three moments stood out: a Palestinian-Israeli documentary that defied political divides, a tribute to the real heroes of Los Angeles, and a film about a sex worker that took home the biggest prize of the night.
“No Other Land” and the Power of Bearing Witness
Basel Adra, left, and Yuval Abraham shared a win for Best Documentary Feature [John Locher/AP Photo]
Few films this year carried the weight of history quite like No Other Land. A documentary that offers an unfiltered look at the destruction of Palestinian villages in the West Bank, it is the first Oscar-winning film co-directed by both Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers. When co-directors Yuval Abraham and Basel Adra took the stage to accept the award, their words cut through the usual Hollywood formalities. “We made this film because my home was destroyed,” Adra said, his voice steady but weighted with grief. “This is a film about ethnic cleansing. No award can bring back the land we lost, but this recognition means the world is watching.”
It was a moment of raw visibility. Films can entertain, but they can also bear witness. At a time when global conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are more fraught than ever, No Other Land became something larger than a documentary. It became a record, a piece of evidence, a refusal to look away.
Abraham emphasized the need for unity between Palestinians and Israelis: “We made this film because together our voices are stronger. I see Basel as my brother, but our lived experiences differ drastically under a regime that treats us unequally.” He also accused US foreign policy of blocking potential solutions, insisting that a true political resolution must guarantee freedom and security for all.
Firefighters on the Oscar Stage: A Tribute to Everyday Heroism
The Oscars have always been a spectacle of fantasy, but sometimes they recognize real-world heroes, too. When Conan O’Brien took the stage as host, he did something unexpected: he invited a group of Los Angeles firefighters—some still covered in soot from their last shift—to stand before Hollywood’s elite.
Conan O'Brien and members of the Los Angeles Fire Department at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. RICH POLK/PENSKE MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES.
“These are the guys who actually save lives,” O’Brien quipped before handing the mic to one of them. The moment could have been overly staged, but it wasn’t. The firefighters, visibly uncomfortable in the spotlight, read scripted jokes from the teleprompter about Joker 2 and celebrity vanity projects. The audience laughed, then stood to applaud them—not for their comedy, but for their work.
In a city often criticized for being disconnected from real-life struggles, this small tribute felt significant. The people in the room, many of whom live in multimillion-dollar homes perched above wildfire-prone hills, know exactly what these firefighters risk every season. It was a rare Oscars moment where Hollywood’s grandeur met everyday courage.
“Anora and the Stories That Demand to Be Seen
The biggest surprise of the night wasn’t a big title sweeping the technical categories or a veteran actor finally getting their due. It was Anora, an indie film about a Brooklyn sex worker, taking home the award for Best Picture.
Sean Baker, known for his raw, vérité-style films (The Florida Project, Tangerine), directed Anora with the same unsentimental yet deeply human approach. His acceptance speech was a direct challenge to the industry. “We need to keep telling stories about people who aren’t usually centered in Hollywood narratives,” he said. “There are so many voices that deserve to be heard.”
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her portrayal of Anora. She dedicated the honor to sex workers, who are frequently vilified in the media. “If this film does anything,” she said, “I hope it reminds people that everyone has a story worth telling.”
Why It Matters
The Oscars don’t always get it right. But when the ceremony offers a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard, it proves why cultural institutions like this still matter.
No Other Land forced the world to acknowledge a reality many would rather ignore.
The L.A. firefighters reminded us that heroism exists far beyond the big screen.
And Anora made visible a life often erased, turning an unseen world into something impossible to look away from. Yet, its success has also sparked debate. Russian state media framed it as a cultural victory, while critics questioned its silence on the war in Ukraine. Actor Yura Borisov’s nomination, given his past roles and lack of condemnation, added to the controversy.
In times of conflict, what stories get told—and what remains unsaid—matters more than ever. These moments stood out in a night of spectacle because they were real. In the end, isn’t that what storytelling is all about?