The Academy Awards celebrated the triumph of independent cinema as Anora, a poignant drama about a New York sex worker, swept the Oscars with five wins, Reuters reported.
Directed by Sean Baker, the film captivated audiences and critics alike with its heartfelt storytelling and bold performances, marking a standout moment in this year’s unpredictable awards race.
Anora tells the story of a young sex worker who seizes an unexpected opportunity for a new life after marrying a wealthy Russian client on a whim. The film’s 6 million budget, modest by Hollywood standards, did not hinder its success, as it earned 40 million globally and resonated deeply with audiences.
Sean Baker made history by tying Walt Disney’s record for the most Oscars won by an individual in one year. Baker took home awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, in addition to Anora’s Best Picture win. In his acceptance speech, Baker urged aspiring filmmakers to continue making independent films, emphasising their importance in the industry.
Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old star of Anora, won Best Actress in a surprising upset over Demi Moore, who had been favored for her role in The Substance. Madison, who grew up in Los Angeles, expressed her gratitude and dedication to the sex worker community, vowing to remain an ally.
Other major wins
Best Actor: Adrien Brody claimed his second Oscar for his role as a Jewish immigrant architect in The Brutalist. Brody, who first won at age 29 for The Pianist, reflected on the fragility of acting careers and the significance of the award.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana won for her role as a fixer for a Mexican drug lord in Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language musical that also won Best Original Song for El Mal.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin took home the award for his performance in A Real Pain, a film about two cousins exploring their family roots in Poland. Culkin humorously thanked his wife and hinted at expanding their family.
No Other Land, a powerful film documenting Palestinian resistance to Israeli home demolitions in the West Bank, won the Best Documentary Feature award. Flow, the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, claimed the Best Animated Feature prize.
Brazil’s I’m Still Here was honored the Best International Feature for its compelling storytelling.
Star-studded celebration
The Oscars ceremony opened with a dazzling performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who delivered a Wizard of Oz-themed medley, including the show-stopping Defying Gravity from their film Wicked. The red carpet showcased bold fashion choices, with Timothée Chalamet’s canary yellow tuxedo drawing playful jabs from host Conan O’Brien.
O’Brien also brought a group of Los Angeles firefighters on stage to thank them for their efforts during the January wildfires, adding a heartfelt and humorous touch to the evening.
Anora’s success at the Oscars underscores the enduring power of independent films to tell unique and impactful stories. Baker’s dedication to marginalised voices and Madison’s breakout performance have left an indelible mark on Hollywood, proving that compelling storytelling transcends budget constraints.
