“Anora” Shines Bright at Oscars 2025

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 2nd, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a night of surprises and celebrations. Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a poignant indie film about a Brooklyn sex worker, emerged as the unexpected champion, taking home five prestigious awards.

“Anora’s” Triumph:

“Anora” captivated the Academy, winning in the following categories:

• Best Picture: A major upset, beating out strong contenders like “Conclave” and “The Brutalist.”
• Best Director: Sean Baker’s unique vision and storytelling were recognized with this award.
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison delivered a powerful performance, earning her the Best Actress award.
• Best Original Screenplay: The film’s moving and unconventional story was celebrated.
• Best Film Editing: The film’s editing was praised for its contribution to the narrative’s impact.

Other Notable Wins:

• Best Actor: Adrien Brody’s compelling performance in “The Brutalist” earned him the Best Actor award.
• Best Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave,” a political thriller, won for its adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel.
• Best International Feature Film: Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” took home the award for Best International Feature Film.

Highlights of the Night:

• Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut: The comedian brought his signature wit and humor to the Oscars stage.
• “Anuja” Misses Out: The Indian documentary short film “Anuja,” executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, was nominated but did not win.
• Celebrating Diversity: Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.”
• Powerful Speeches: Adrien Brody used his acceptance speech to speak out against antisemitism and racism, while Mikey Madison expressed her support for the sex worker community.

A Night of Upsets and Recognition:

The 97th Academy Awards was a night of unexpected wins and powerful moments. “Anora’s” success highlighted the Academy’s appreciation for smaller, independent films with impactful stories. The ceremony also celebrated the diversity of filmmaking and the ability of cinema to address important social issues.