If you watched the Oscars last night, you may have noticed a common theme of BROADWAY. 

I know I did. 

Here are three ways I saw Broadway reflected in the 2025 Oscars.

1. The Many Hats of Anora’s Director

Sean Baker, the director of Anora, took home four Oscars for directing, co-writing, co-editing, and co-producing. (Wow!)

That’s the Broadway way.

Artists often juggle multiple roles to bring a show to life. Sean’s success and involvement in Anora reflects the same hands-on approach seen in theater. For example, visionaries like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Michael Arden shape productions from the ground up, often in multiple creative roles both on and off stage.

In Broadway and film alike, those willing to do the heavy lifting behind the scenes often create the most impactful work.

2. The Underdogs Can Win

Small films made a big impact. 

Flow, a film with no dialogue and made with a free design software, took home Best Animated Feature.

No Other Land, which began filming in 2019, won Best Documentary without a US distributor.  

Maybe the “must have’s” of a successful script. . . aren’t must have’s.

You don’t need the most expensive equipment or software. . . the biggest distributor or theater. You need STORY. 

Shows like Avenue Q and Come From Away followed a similar journey, starting modestly before becoming cultural phenomena. 

The Oscars reminded us that passion and originality can triumph over big-budget spectacle.

3. Broadway Takes Center Stage

Performances of music from Wicked, The Wiz, and The Wizard of Oz (oh my!) 

The Oscars doubled as a showcase for Broadway talent. 

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reminded audiences of the unique power of live performance. 

Queen Latifah honored Quincy Jones with “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz. 

BLACKPINK, Doja Cat, and Raye gave us a full Broadway-level musical production in a tribute to James Bond films.

These moments didn’t just highlight beloved musicals and their music, they reinforced the ongoing connection between Broadway and Hollywood, where stage actors continue to cross over and redefine success in both industries.

The Oscars reinforced that Broadway continues to shape Hollywood. From creative multitasking to unexpected victories and standout performances, theater’s influence is stronger than ever—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

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