KUALA LUMPUR March 3, 2025 – Sean Baker’s Anora triumphed at the 97th Academy Awards, claiming five out of it’s six nominations, sealing their wins with the prestigious Best Picture title. The film’s remarkable success made it the clear victor of the evening, earning further recognition than any other project in this year’s race.

A Historic Night for Anora

The film’s win for Best Picture marked the pinnacle of a series of triumphs that left its competitors in the dust. Anora, starring Mikey Madison as the titular character, Ani, tells the gripping story of a young stripper who finds herself swept into the dangerous world of love and power when she becomes romantically involved with Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch.

As their whirlwind romance is tested by the pressures of family and societal expectations, Anora captivated audiences and critics alike.

With its five Oscar wins: Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Lead Actress for Mikey Madison— the film emerged as the undeniable standout of the night. The win for Best Director was especially significant, as Baker joined an exclusive group of filmmakers who have won multiple Oscars for a single project, alongside legends like Walt Disney, who set the record in 1954.

A Glimpse into Anora’s Journey to Victory

Anora had already built up a wave of momentum prior to the Oscars, having earned praise at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme d’Or. The film’s trajectory toward the Oscars seemed almost inevitable as it continued to gain critical acclaim, peaking in a historic night that solidified its place in Academy Award history.

As Sean Baker accepted his Best Director trophy, he humbly expressed gratitude: “I want to thank the Academy for recognizing a truly independent film… long live independent film.” His heartfelt words resonated with the audience, who cheered for his vision to push past boundaries.

Memorable Moments from the 97th Academy Awards

While Anora‘s success dominated the evening, other films also earned their due recognition. The Brutalist, a post-war drama starring Adrien Brody, took home three awards, including Best Lead Actor for Brody, as well as wins for Cinematography and Original Score. Brody’s win was a moment of great significance, considering the intense competition in the Lead Actor category, where he was pitted against leading actors Ralph Fiennes and Timothée Chalamet.

Chalamet has just become the youngest winner of the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for his astonishing role in Call Me by Your Name (2017).

The night also saw Conclave, a papal drama, claim a single Oscar for its Adapted Screenplay, written by Peter Straughan. Although initial predictions favor other films, Anora’s late surge in the awards season, bolstered by victories at the DGA Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards, gave it the momentum needed to clinch the night’s top honor.

The Bigger Picture

In a year marked by diverse films and fierce competition, Anora’s multiple wins provided a reminder of the power of independent cinema. Its ability to resonate with both critics and audiences speaks to its universal themes of love, power, and the complexities of human relationships.

As we look back on this unforgettable Oscars night, we can also anticipate the ongoing impact these films will have on culture. From Anora‘s heartfelt story to the epic scale of Dune: Part Two, the winners of the night show the diversity in filmmaking. It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for both new talent and experienced filmmakers.

What’s Next for Anora

With its mind blowing success at the Oscars, Anora has established itself as a standout project not just for 2025, but for the years to come. The film’s strong box office performance, approaching $40 million on a $6 million budget, adds to its growing success. As it continues to find new audiences, Anora’s journey is far from over, promising even more milestones in the future.

This Oscar night will go down in history as a moment of celebration for Anora and for the wider film community, reaffirming that great storytelling can shine brightly on the global stage despite their independency.