Oscars 2025: Peter Straughan and Sean Baker Win Big with Conclave and Anora

Image credits: Image source, Reuters

The 97th Academy Awards have come to a close, with Peter Straughan and Sean Baker being two of the biggest winners of the night. Straughan took home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on Conclave, a film based on the novel by Robert Harris. The movie follows the complex and secretive process of electing a new Pope, and Straughan's screenplay brought the story to life in a captivating and thought-provoking way. Straughan's win is a testament to his skill as a screenwriter, and his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

Sean Baker, on the other hand, won the award for Best Original Screenplay for his film Anora. The movie tells the story of a lap dancer who impulsively marries a Russian playboy, and explores themes of love, identity, and redemption. Baker's screenplay was praised for its originality and nuance, and his win is a well-deserved recognition of his talent as a writer and director. Baker's film has been gaining attention for its unique storytelling and strong performances, and his Oscar win is likely to bring even more attention to the movie.

Both Conclave and Anora have been praised for their exceptional storytelling and direction, and the wins for Straughan and Baker are a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into bringing these stories to life. The Academy Awards are a celebration of excellence in filmmaking, and the recognition of these two films is a reminder of the power of cinema to captivate and inspire audiences. The film industry is constantly evolving, and the wins for Conclave and Anora demonstrate the importance of original storytelling and innovative direction in creating movies that resonate with viewers.

In addition to the wins for Straughan and Baker, the 97th Academy Awards also saw a number of other notable winners. The ceremony was attended by a range of celebrities, including Ralph Fiennes, who congratulated Straughan on his win. The event was also marked by a number of memorable performances and speeches, and will be remembered as a highlight of the film awards season. As the film industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Straughan, Baker, and other talented filmmakers.

The success of Conclave and Anora is also a testament to the enduring power of cinema to captivate and inspire audiences. In a world where streaming services and social media are increasingly dominant, the Oscars remind us of the importance of the big screen and the communal experience of watching a movie with others. As Robert Harris, the author of the novel on which Conclave is based, noted in a recent interview, the Church and religion will continue to endure for thousands of years, and the same can be said of the film industry, which has been a staple of popular culture for over a century. With talented filmmakers like Straughan and Baker leading the way, the future of cinema looks bright, and audiences can look forward to many more years of exceptional storytelling and direction.