The independent film Anora, a gripping story about a sex worker whose marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch falls apart, took center stage at the Oscars on Sunday, sweeping up five prestigious awards, including Best Picture.
The black comedy, directed by Sean Baker, stunned audiences and critics alike with its raw storytelling and standout performances.
Mikey Madison Claims Best Actress Award in a Surprise Win
Among the film’s many triumphs, Mikey Madison’s unexpected win for Best Actress was one of the evening’s most notable moments.
The 25-year-old actress, who grew up in Los Angeles, expressed her disbelief and excitement backstage after receiving the award.
“This is a dream come true,” she said, visibly emotional.
“Hollywood always felt so far away, so to be here today is truly incredible.” Despite her monumental win, Madison kept things lighthearted, joking that she’d be heading home to clean up after her puppies.
Her victory came as a surprise, as she defeated seasoned actress Demi Moore, who was widely considered the frontrunner for her role in The Substance.
Sean Baker Celebrates Independent Cinema at the Oscars
Director Sean Baker, who won Best Director for Anora, used his acceptance speech to champion independent filmmaking.
He thanked the Academy for recognizing a film made on a shoestring budget, emphasizing the hard work and passion of indie filmmakers.
“This film was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists,” he said, highlighting the value of independent cinema in an era dominated by blockbuster productions.
Anora Triumphs with Impressive Oscars Haul
With five wins out of six nominations, Anora‘s success was nothing short of remarkable. Made on a modest budget of just $6 million, the film’s victories demonstrate how compelling storytelling and dedication can outshine the financial constraints typically associated with big Hollywood productions. The film’s win was particularly significant given the tough competition from other contenders, such as Conclave, a political thriller that had been heavily favored going into the night.
Conclave Settles for Best Adapted Screenplay
Although Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, was a strong contender, it only took home one award—Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film had been expected to win more, especially with its timely subject matter revolving around the election of a new Catholic leader, which resonated with the current news surrounding Pope Francis.
However, Anora’s surprise success overshadowed the Vatican intrigue thriller’s performance at the Oscars.
Oscars Night: A More Traditional and Glamorous Affair
This year’s Oscars broadcast, which ran for over three and a half hours, returned to a more traditional style, avoiding the political commentary that had marked previous ceremonies.
Host Conan O’Brien kept things light and fun, making only a passing mention of President Donald Trump and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The night’s festivities kicked off with a stunning performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the musical Wicked, where they performed “Defying Gravity,” drawing applause from the star-studded audience.
Conan O’Brien’s Opening Monologue and Jokes
Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue included some witty jabs, particularly about the controversy surrounding the film Emilia Perez.
The film, which starred a transgender actress, became embroiled in scandal when offensive tweets from the actress were uncovered, significantly damaging the movie’s Oscar chances. O’Brien quipped, “Anora uses the F-word 479 times.
That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascon’s publicist.”
Other Big Winners at the 2025 Oscars
Brazil’s I’m Still Here made history by winning its first Oscar for Best International Feature, while Latvia’s Flow took home the award for Best Animated Film.
The acting categories saw expected winners, with Kieran Culkin claiming Best Supporting Actor for his role in Real Pain In his acceptance speech, Culkin humorously admitted he had forgotten his prepared remarks.
Adrien Brody also won his second Oscar for his portrayal of Laszlo Toth in The Brutalist, making him one of the rare actors to achieve double Oscar wins.
Brody, who won his first Oscar in 2002 for The Pianist, joked with the audience as he was played off the stage multiple times during his long acceptance speech.
Zoe Saldana and the Emotional Best Supporting Actress Speech
Zoe Saldana, star of Emilia Perez, won Best Supporting Actress and delivered a heartfelt speech.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961, I am a proud child of immigrant parents, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award,” she said, tearfully.
Saldana’s win was a proud moment for many, as she became a trailblazer for future generations.
Reflections on the 2025 Oscars
The 2025 Oscars marked a memorable night for film lovers, with unexpected wins and standout performances, particularly from Anora.
While the political discourse was minimal, the ceremony felt like a return to the glamor and excitement of Hollywood’s golden age.
With wins across multiple categories, the night celebrated the diversity and innovation of modern cinema, leaving audiences excited for what’s to come next in the world of film.