The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrated another great year of film at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the longtime home of the Academy Awards.
The night opened with a cinematic tribute to Los Angeles, featuring a montage of classic film moments shot in the city, a powerful nod to L.A.’s resilience following this past year’s devastating wildfires.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when the audience gave a standing ovation to the firefighters who battled the wildfires. O’Brien delivered a heartfelt thank you: “On behalf of Greater Los Angeles, thank you for all that you do.”
Oscars 2025: The Big Winners
🏆 Best Picture: Anora
🏆 Best Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
🏆 Best Director: Sean Baker, “Anora”
🏆 Best Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
🏆 Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Pérez”
🏆 Best Supporting Actor: Kiernan Culkin, “A Real Pain”
🏆 Best Animated Feature:“Flow”
You can watch all the 97th Oscars winners’ speeches on the Oscars YouTube channel. And now that Hollywood’s biggest night has wrapped, here’s how to keep the movie magic alive all year long in L.A..
Over the past year, the industry has faced major challenges, from devastating wildfires to production slowdowns, but efforts like the “Stay in L.A.” campaign have gained momentum, with Hollywood A-listers and industry leaders pushing for increased local film production and economic recovery.
The good news? Whether you’re a local or just visiting this great city, there are plenty of ways to experience and support film and local businesses in Los Angeles year-round.
How to Celebrate Film in Los Angeles
If the Oscars left you inspired, here’s how you can experience movie magic for yourself in Los Angeles:
1. See a movie at one of L.A.’s iconic theaters
With new films hitting the big screen, there’s always something playing in Los Angeles. Whether you’re catching the latest blockbuster or an indie gem, the city offers an incredibly special movie experience.
From New Beverly Cinema to TCL Chinese Theatre, these historic spots play films year-round. You can also enjoy the many outdoor screenings at iconic spots, like Hollywood Forever Cemetery or Griffith Park, for a memorable movie night under the stars.
Los Angeles also boasts theaters with 70mm and IMAX capabilities. Here’s a fun secret: AMC CityWalk is a go-to theater for filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve when reviewing their films in the IMAX format.
2. Visit real movie locations
Step into the scenes of your favorite films—visit Griffith Park like Sebastian and Mia in “La La Land” or stroll down Leo Carillo Beach like Sandy and Danny in “Grease.”
See more:
- Famous Movie Locations In Los Angeles That You Can Visit For Free
- L.A. Bars And Restaurants In Movies And TV Shows That You Can Actually Dine At
3. Explore Hollywood history
Explore the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to see Oscar-winning costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes magic. For even more old-Hollywood nostalgia, browse Larry Edmunds Bookshop for rare film scripts and memorabilia or stop by Hollywood Toys & Costumes for an extensive collection of high-quality costumes year-round.
4. Directly support L.A.’s local film community
Hollywood thrives because of independent filmmakers, crew members, and small businesses that bring stories to life. You can support the city’s film industry by donating to organizations like Echo Park Film Center Collective, which offers workshops, screenings, and resources for local filmmakers, or The Union Solidarity Coalition, which provides healthcare support for crew members impacted by industry slowdowns.
And of course, there’s spending days at a local movie festival, like the L.A. Shorts International Film Festival or DTLA Film Festival, to support and discover emerging talent in L.A.!