At the 97th Academy Awards, Sean Baker’s film Anora became the highest winner of the night, bagging five awards in major categories including Best Picture, Best Actor and more. While many wondered Emilia Pérez to dominate with its 13 nominations but it ended up winning only two – Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana and Best Original Song for El Mal.
Anora’s creator Sean Baker made the biggest history by winning four Oscars in one night for directing, editing, writing and for also producing the film. During his acceptance speech, Baker dedicated his win to the sex worker community, thanking them for sharing their stories.
The low-budget comedy-drama movie follows a Brooklyn sex worker who unexpectedly marries the son of Russian oligarch. Mikey Madison who played the role lifted the Best Actress Award trophy defeating frontrunner Demi Moore (The Substance). Meanwhile, the 25-year-old actress called her win “a dream come true,” acknowledging how distant Hollywood once seemed to her despite growing up in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, The Substance, which was a strong contender, took home just one award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The film was widely expected to secure the Best Actress win for Demi Moore, but Madison’s performance in Anora ultimately took the spotlight. On the other hand, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Brutalist, marking his second Oscar win since The Pianist in 2003. Conclave, which had gained momentum after success at the BAFTAs, won Best Adapted Screenplay. Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldana’s role in Emilia Perez earned her the Best Supporting Actress trophy.
