The 97th Academy Awards illuminated Hollywood with an unexpected triumph, as the low-budget comedy Anora swept the ceremony, claiming five Oscars including the coveted awards for Best Picture and Best Actress. Mikey Madison, the breakout star of the film, earned her first Oscar, while Adrien Brody took home Best Actor for his role in the postwar drama The Brutalist.
Anora, which tells the unconventional love story of a sex worker marrying the son of a Russian oligarch, first captured attention at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Its victory marks a significant milestone, making it the fourth film to take home both the Palme d’Or and the Oscar for Best Picture.
Director Sean Baker emerged as a standout figure of the night, winning four Oscars for his work, including Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. In his emotional acceptance speech, Baker paid tribute to the sex worker community, stating, “They have shared their stories, they have shared their life experiences over the years, my deepest respect, I share this with you.” This achievement makes him the first individual to win four Oscars for a single film on the same night.
In her speech, the twenty-five-year-old Madison acknowledged the talented sex worker community and expressed her commitment to being an ally. “I call it very surreal,” she said, beating out heavyweights like Demi Moore, who had been a frontrunner for her performance in The Substance, which ultimately only garnered one award for makeup and hairstyling.
The evening was underscored by sharp commentary from host Conan O’Brien, who quipped about the film’s political resonance. “I guess Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” he joked, to raucous applause.
While Anora basked in glory, Conclave, perceived as its closest competitor after dominating at the BAFTAs, settled for only one Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Brody, receiving his second Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Brutalist, spoke passionately about the fragility of acting as a profession. He called for a more inclusive world, addressing issues of racism and antisemitism: “It is the chance to begin again,” he stated. Brody faced stiff competition from rising star Timothée Chalamet, who had been awarded at the SAGs for a stellar performance in A Complete Unknown.
The night also celebrated the documentary feature film No Other Land, made by an Israel-Palestine collective. Its directors delivered poignant messages regarding the ongoing conflict in the region, challenging the US’s foreign policy implications.
Big musical contenders also took the stage as nostalgia was rife for both James Bond and the acclaimed production Wicked, which saw Paul Tazewell receive the Oscar for Best Costume Design, breaking records as the first Black man to earn this award.
While the ceremonies highlighted prominent winners from smaller-budgeted films—each triumphing over blockbuster giants—the night was also tainted by discussions surrounding controversies and social justice, with Netflix’s Emilia Pérez being the most nominated film yet walking away with just two awards.
The awards concluded on a celebratory note, encapsulating both Hollywood’s glitz and a call for reflection during challenging times marked by wildfires and political division in Los Angeles. O’Brien particularly reminded attendees of the essential role of behind-the-scenes workers, as he invited members of the Los Angeles Fire Department on stage, grounding the night in community. “Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work continues,” he emphasised.