oscars (1).jpg
At the 97th Academy Awards, Anora triumphed with five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Mikey Madison won Best Actress, and Adrien Brody took Best Actor for The Brutalist. The ceremony highlighted diverse performances and films, celebrating independent filmmaking, with Anora grossing $41 million on a $6 million budget.

At the 97th Academy Awards, Anora, the independent drama directed by Sean Baker, made a remarkable impact, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film's lead, Mikey Madison, took home the Best Actress award for her portrayal of a complex character, while Adrien Brody triumphed in the Best Actor category for his compelling role in The Brutalist.

In her acceptance speech, Madison expressed her gratitude toward the sex worker community, highlighting the meaningful connections she formed during the making of Anora. Brody’s victory marked the culmination of an award season sweep, as he had already claimed top honors at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards.

The evening was also marked by other significant wins, including Zoe Saldaña’s victory as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez and Kieran Culkin's Best Supporting Actor award for A Real Pain.

Director Sean Baker’s emotional speech urged filmmakers to continue creating films for the big screen, underscoring the importance of movie theaters as a cultural space. Meanwhile, Anora’s box office success—a budget of just $6 million and a $41 million return—served as a testament to the power of independent cinema in an era dominated by blockbuster productions. The Academy’s celebration of these wins highlighted the evolving landscape of film, with diverse stories and voices taking center stage.