Anora, a gripping drama about a New York sex worker who seizes an unexpected opportunity for a fresh start by impulsively marrying a wealthy Russian client, emerged as the dominant force at the Academy Awards on Sunday.
The film claimed five Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture, cementing its place as a standout in this year’s unpredictable race.
The 25-year-old lead actress, Mikey Madison, delivered a remarkable performance that earned her the Best Actress award. Meanwhile, Anora’s director, Sean Baker, was recognized with the Best Director Oscar, adding another milestone to his career. The film also secured awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, further solidifying its impact on the cinematic landscape.
Anora was produced on a modest budget of $6 million—an amount considered minimal by Hollywood standards. Despite its indie roots, the film outshone heavyweight contenders such as the papal thriller Conclave, the historical drama The Brutalist, and the massively successful musical Wicked.
Since its release by independent distributor Neon, Anora has generated an impressive $40 million at the global box office. While this figure pales in comparison to Wicked’s staggering $728 million haul, Anora’s success underscores the power of independent filmmaking in an industry often dominated by big-budget productions.
Madison’s triumph in the Best Actress category was particularly noteworthy, as she surpassed frontrunner Demi Moore, who had been widely expected to win for The Substance. During her acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude for her journey, acknowledging how distant Hollywood had once seemed despite growing up in Los Angeles. She also emphasized her commitment to advocating for sex worker communities, a central theme in Anora.
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his portrayal of a Jewish immigrant architect pursuing the American dream in The Brutalist, marking his second Oscar victory after The Pianist. Zoe Saldana took home Best Supporting Actress for playing a fixer in Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language musical that also secured the award for Best Original Song.
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, a story of two cousins reconnecting with their heritage in Poland. In a humorous moment, he referenced a personal agreement with his wife about expanding their family, playfully suggesting that his Oscar win might seal the deal.
Beyond Anora’s triumph, the ceremony saw notable international wins. No Other Land, a documentary depicting Palestinian resistance in the West Bank, won Best Documentary Feature. Meanwhile, Latvia celebrated its first Oscar victory with Flow, which took home Best Animated Feature. I’m Still Here, from Brazil, secured the Best International Feature award.
The event, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, featured a vibrant musical opening by Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. O’Brien infused humor throughout the evening, including lighthearted jabs at Timothée Chalamet’s bold fashion choice and a surprise segment featuring Los Angeles firefighters sharing jokes.
With its unexpected dominance at the Oscars, Anora’s legacy is now firmly established, proving that powerful storytelling and independent cinema can still captivate audiences and win Hollywood’s highest honors.
