Oscars 2025 Recap: "Anora" Wins Best Picture, Sean Baker Makes History

Image credits: Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

The 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, saw "Anora" take home the top prize, with Sean Baker winning four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. This historic win makes Baker one of the most awarded filmmakers in a single year, tying Walt Disney's record. "Anora" is a strip club Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending, and its win is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.

The film's success can be attributed to its unique storyline, which follows an exotic dancer from Brighton Beach who gets paired with a young man from a wealthy family, leading to a whirlwind romance. The movie's independent spirit and gritty portrayal of the sex industry resonated with audiences and critics alike. Baker's win is also a victory for diversity in filmmaking, as he is one of the few directors to have won multiple Oscars in a single year.

The ceremony was not without its surprises, with Adrien Brody winning Best Actor for his role in "The Brutalist" and Mikey Madison taking home the award for Best Actress for her performance in "Anora". The night also saw a historic win for Brazil, with "I'm Still Here" winning the award for Best International Feature. The film's success is a testament to the growing influence of international cinema on the global stage.

Here are some of the notable winners from the 97th Academy Awards:

• Best Picture: "Anora"
• Best Director: Sean Baker for "Anora"
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist"
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison for "Anora"
• Best International Feature: "I'm Still Here" from Brazil

The ceremony was attended by a star-studded guest list, including Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, and Demi Moore, among others. The night also saw a number of memorable performances, including a tribute to Quincy Jones and a performance by Chappell Roan at Elton John's annual post-Oscars party.

The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered as a night of historic wins and memorable performances. With "Anora" taking home the top prize, the ceremony marked a significant moment in the history of independent filmmaking. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how future ceremonies reflect the changing landscape of cinema.

The night's events were not limited to the ceremony itself, with a number of after-parties and events taking place throughout the evening. The Vanity Fair party, hosted by Radhika Jones, was attended by a number of A-list celebrities, including Sydney Sweeney, Sarah Paulson, and Chrissy Teigen. The party raised money for those affected by the Los Angeles-area wildfires, and marked a significant moment in the city's recovery efforts.

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