On the evening of March 2, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted the 97th Academy Awards, where “Anora” shone brightly, securing five statuettes, including the prestigious Best Picture award. Directed by Sean Baker, the film—a blend of romantic comedy and drama—outshone formidable contenders like “Emilia Pérez,” “The Brutalist,” and “Wicked,” marking an unexpected triumph in the top category. The film’s star, Mikey Madison, also pulled off a surprise win for Best Actress, portraying Ani, a New York stripper entangled in a whirlwind romance with a Russian oligarch’s son, edging out Demi Moore, who had been a frontrunner after taking the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Baker himself walked away with four individual awards: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and a share of Best Picture as a producer. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony underscored the power of independent cinema, with “Anora” riding a wave of acclaim since its Palme d’Or win at Cannes. Brazil also celebrated, as “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles, claimed Best International Feature Film.
The road to “Anora”’s Oscar dominance began with its international breakthrough at festivals and solidified with victories at awards like the Critics Choice and Producers Guild of America. Mikey Madison, fresh off a BAFTA win for Best Actress, turned heads on the red carpet in a striking red Rodarte gown alongside Baker and the cast. The night was filled with historic moments, including Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for “Wicked,” and Adrien Brody securing his second Best Actor Oscar for “The Brutalist,” 22 years after his win for “The Pianist.”
Despite “Emilia Pérez” leading with 13 nominations, followed by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” with 10 each, it was “Anora” that stole the spotlight, clinching five of the most coveted categories and reinforcing the strength of indie films on a night brimming with surprises. Broadcast live on ABC-TV and streamed on Hulu, the event reached millions, showcasing a celebration of cinematic diversity and emotion.
Anora’s journey to the top
“Anora” first captured attention last May when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Palme d’Or, the event’s top prize. The story, following Ani’s impulsive marriage to Ivan, played by Mark Eydelshteyn, blends humor and drama uniquely, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Sean Baker, handling direction, screenplay, and editing, brought his signature focus on marginalized lives, a hallmark seen in his earlier works like “The Florida Project.”
On the Oscar red carpet, Mikey Madison stood out, dedicating her win to the sex workers who inspired her character, amplifying the film’s social resonance. The movie’s campaign featured special screenings in New York and Los Angeles, where strippers cheered it on, a moment that went viral on social media.
A night of twists in Los Angeles
The Best Picture race was fiercely contested, featuring ten nominees ranging from big-budget spectacles to indie gems. “Emilia Pérez,” with its 13 nominations, started as a favorite but faltered amid controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón. “The Brutalist” and “Conclave” were also strong contenders, yet “Anora” stunned the crowd when announced as the winner around 11 p.m. local time, cementing its unexpected rise.
Sean Baker reigns with multiple wins
Sean Baker emerged as the night’s standout, collecting four personal Oscars: Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and a share of Best Picture as a producer. At 54, the American filmmaker, renowned for human stories in unconventional settings, received his directing award from Quentin Tarantino. In his speech, he thanked his team and championed the need to spotlight characters like Ani, who rarely take center stage in mainstream cinema.
Competing for Best Director against heavyweights like Jacques Audiard of “Emilia Pérez” and Brady Corbet of “The Brutalist,” Baker’s skillful blend of humor and drama, paired with sharp editing, secured him additional wins. His technical and creative prowess turned “Anora” into a multi-award powerhouse.
Mikey Madison shocks as best actress
At 25, Mikey Madison became a breakout star, clinching Best Actress and upending expectations against Demi Moore, a season favorite. Her portrayal of Ani, navigating emotional and social challenges, was the beating heart of “Anora,” delivering authenticity and depth. The win followed her BAFTA success, hinting at the upset that unfolded at the Oscars.
Madison’s chemistry with co-stars Mark Eydelshteyn and Yura Borisov, the latter nominated for Best Supporting Actor but losing to Kieran Culkin of “A Real Pain,” amplified the film’s impact. “Anora”’s sweep of major categories underscored its dominance on the night.
Awards season timeline
“Anora”’s ascent to Oscar glory was marked by key milestones over the past year. Here’s the timeline:
- May: premieres at Cannes and wins the Palme d’Or;
- October: hits U.S. theaters with modest box office but stellar reviews;
- January: triumphs at Critics Choice Awards and Producers Guild of America;
- February: Sean Baker wins the Directors Guild of America;
- March: secures five Oscars, including Best Picture, at the Dolby Theatre.
The film also launched on Hulu in early March, expanding its reach post-victory.
Highlights and trivia from the 97th Oscars
The evening delivered memorable moments and intriguing stats about “Anora” and the awards:
- “Anora” is the third film to win both the Palme d’Or and Best Picture, following “Parasite” and “Marty”;
- Sean Baker is the first director since the Coen Brothers in 2008 to claim Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Editing in one night;
- Made on a roughly 6-million-dollar budget, it starkly contrasts with competitors like “Dune: Part Two,” which exceeded 190 million;
- Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design.
“Anora”’s success reignited discussions about supporting indie cinema, with Baker advocating for more backing for non-studio filmmakers in his speech.
Other winners who shone
Beyond “Anora,” the ceremony honored various talents. Adrien Brody won his second Best Actor Oscar for “The Brutalist,” marking a triumphant return after 22 years. Kieran Culkin kicked off the night with Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain,” while Zoe Saldaña took Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez.” “Flow” pulled off an upset in Best Animated Feature, beating “The Wild Robot,” a favorite after wins at the Producers Guild Awards.
“Wicked” excelled in technical categories, with Paul Tazewell winning Best Costume Design, and “Dune: Part Two” dominated Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. “I’m Still Here,” representing Brazil, won Best International Feature, with Walter Salles receiving a standing ovation at the Dolby Theatre.
Global impact and echoes of the night
After the Best Picture announcement, “Anora” flooded social media, with fans lauding the victory of a film that started as an underdog. In New York, strippers hosted watch parties, while the cast celebrated at a post-Oscar event in Los Angeles. International press praised the Academy’s indie pick, spotlighting Sean Baker’s vision and Mikey Madison’s talent.
Brazil also rejoiced with “I’m Still Here”’s win, alongside “Anora,” putting auteur-driven cinema in the spotlight. With five awards, “Anora” grossed about 30 million dollars worldwide pre-Oscar, a figure set to rise with the awards boost. The night of March 2 will be remembered as a turning point for indie films and bold storytelling on the global stage.