'The Only Girl in the Orchestra' wins Best Documentary Short

By Tanvi Gupta

Mar 03, 2025

08:11 am

What's the story

The Only Girl in the Orchestra, a 2023 American musical short documentary directed by Molly O'Brien, won Best Documentary Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

It chronicles Orin O'Brien, who made history in 1966 as the New York Philharmonic's first female musician, hired by Leonard Bernstein.

Now 87 and recently retired, she reflects on her career, emphasizing the quiet strength in supporting others.

Twitter Post

THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA wins the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. Congratulations! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/xJOlW2TTYb
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025