Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ Takes Home Best Picture: A Remarkable Oscar Triumph That Everyone’s Talking About!

Anora had a phenomenal night at the 2025 Oscars, winning five awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. Mikey Madison snagged Best Actress, shocking many in the audience.

“This is a dream come true. I’m going to wake up tomorrow and wonder if it really happened,” Madison said while accepting her award. The excitement was palpable among everyone associated with the film.

Initially an independent production supported by FilmNation, Anora caught fire after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes. After some ups and downs during awards season, it emerged as a major force at the Oscars.

Baker excelled in multiple roles—producing, directing, writing, and editing the film, which explores the complex relationship between a stripper and the heir of a Russian oligarch. Baker’s achievement of winning four Oscars for one film is a first in Oscars history.

In a light-hearted moment, Baker joked about his editing skills from the Dolby stage, saying, “I saved this film in the edit. That director should never work again,” referring to himself.

When he accepted the Best Director award, Baker passionately spoke about the importance of watching movies in theaters. “We fall in love with films in theaters,” he stated, emphasizing the need to create and cherish communal experiences.

While accepting the award for Best Picture, Baker celebrated independent filmmaking, leaving the audience in disbelief. Samantha Quan, Baker’s wife and producer, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I can’t believe this is real life.”

This win is a significant moment for Tom Quinn’s Neon, reminiscent of their surprise victory five years ago when Parasite swept the awards.

A former favorite, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, also had its moment when Adrien Brody won Best Actor. This marks Brody’s second Oscar, having previously won for The Pianist over two decades ago. He offered a heartfelt speech about gratitude and the impact of war and systemic oppression while also recognizing his family.

Madison also made history as the first Gen Z actor to win a lead acting award, making her mark as someone born in 1999.

In another highlight, Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay, with Peter Straughan taking the award for his work on the behind-the-scenes drama about the Vatican as they seek a new pope.

The night also celebrated Kieran Culkin winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, a history-infused dramedy about the Holocaust. Culkin, who has recently gained acclaim for his role in HBO’s Succession, shared his gratitude humorously, recounting a negotiation with his wife about having more kids if he kept winning awards.

Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she played a lawyer assisting a drug lord. She proudly acknowledged her heritage while underscoring the strength of women like her character.

In the animated category, Flow, a unique environmental parable from Latvia, surprised many by winning against the more commercially recognized The Wild Robot. Its director, Gints Zilbalodis, dedicated the award to underrepresented animated filmmakers worldwide.

While Flow aimed for Best International Feature, that award went to Brazil’s I’m Still Here, a powerful film exploring the effects of the military dictatorship in the 1970s.

The Brutalist redeemed itself with awards for cinematography and original score, while box-office hits like Dune: Part Two took home awards for sound and visual effects.

Production design was honored for Wicked, and Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win for costume design, a significant milestone that he proudly acknowledged on stage.

In an interesting twist, The New Yorker celebrated its first Oscar win for the live-action short I Am Not a Robot, after 17 nominations.

The ceremony involved various heartfelt tributes and lighter moments, such as Mick Jagger humorously discussing his unexpected turn as presenter for the Original Song award, which went to the anti-elite anthem El Mal from Emilia Pérez.

The show also featured political messages, like Daryl Hannah’s shout-out to Ukrainians, and Baker’s gratitude for the sex worker community while accepting his screenplay award.

After a lengthy and entertaining opening, the ceremony saw touching tributes in memory of recently deceased industry legends, especially Gene Hackman, celebrated by Morgan Freeman.

In the end, the night belonged to the unexpected triumph of Anora. “Thank you, Brighton Beach,” said Madison, acknowledging the film’s roots and capping off a night that honored those who venture outside the mainstream.

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