Sean Baker’s Anora Wins Best Picture
The 97th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles, honouring the best in cinema. Anora, directed by Sean Baker, won Best Picture. The film follows an erotic dancer who elopes with a Russian oligarch’s son.
Baker won four Oscars, tying Walt Disney’s 1954 record. He received awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Baker emphasised the importance of theatrical releases.
“Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theatre,” Baker said. “Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen.”
Figure 1: Cast and crew led by director Sean Baker accept the best picture award for Anora at the Oscars. [Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
Acting Awards: Brody and Madison Take Top Honours
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist. He previously won in 2003 for The Pianist. Brody spoke about historical traumas and systemic oppression.
“I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world,” Brody said.
Figure 2: Adrien Brody accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “The Brutalist” [AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for Anora. She defeated category favourite Demi Moore from The Substance. Madison acknowledged the film’s focus on sex workers’ lives.
Figure 3: Mikey Madison accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for “Anora” [AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]
Supporting Role Wins for Culkin and Saldaña
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. His performance received consistent praise throughout awards season.
“I have no idea how I got here,” Culkin said. “I’ve just been acting my whole life.”
Figure 4: Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “A Real Pain” [AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. She recognised her background and the significance of her win.
“I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award,” Saldaña said. “I know I will not be the last.”
Figure 5: Zoe Saldana accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for “Emilia Perez [AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]
Surprises in the Animated Category
Flow, a Latvian film, won Best Animated Feature. The wordless ecological story triumphed over Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot.
“Thank you to my cats and dogs,” said director Gints Zilbalodis.
Key Wins in Technical Categories
- The Brutalist won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
- Dune: Part Two secured Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
- Wicked received Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
- The Substance won Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
International and Documentary Wins
Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature. It edged out Emilia Pérez and The Girl With the Needle.
No Other Land won Best Documentary Feature. The film focuses on Israeli occupation in the West Bank. Directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham addressed the political climate.
“There is a different path, a political solution,” Abraham said. “My people can’t be truly safe if Basel’s people aren’t truly free.”
Host Conan O’Brien Delivers a Lively Performance
Conan O’Brien hosted the ceremony, marking his first time as Oscar host. He avoided political statements but included sharp humour.
“‘A Complete Unknown.’ ‘A Real Pain.’ ‘Nosferatu.’ These are just some of the names I was called on the red carpet,” O’Brien joked.
Figure 6: Host Conan O’Brien, center, performs during the Oscars [AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]
O’Brien also acknowledged the recent California wildfires. He highlighted Los Angeles resilience and the enduring power of cinema.
A Changing Industry Faces Uncertainty
This year’s Oscars reflected a changing film industry. Ticket sales declined by 3% from the previous year. The 2023 Hollywood strikes disrupted production schedules.
Last year’s Oscars drew 19.5 million viewers, boosted by Oppenheimer and Barbie. This year’s focus on independent films may affect viewership numbers.
The ceremony also honoured Gene Hackman, who passed away days before the event. Morgan Freeman paid tribute to the two-time Oscar winner.
“This week, our community lost a giant,” Freeman said. “And I lost a dear friend.”
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards highlighted a shift towards independent filmmaking. Anora‘s success reinforced the Academy’s recognition of bold storytelling. Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña delivered powerful performances. Technical achievements in Dune: Part Two, The Brutalist, and Wicked showcased innovation in cinema.
The night also reflected industry challenges, from declining theatre attendance to the impact of Hollywood strikes. Despite uncertainties, the ceremony reaffirmed cinema’s enduring influence. As filmmakers push creative boundaries, the future of storytelling continues to evolve on the global stage.
