“Anora,” a dramedy about a sex worker who marries the pampered son of a Russian oligarch, triumphed at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, winning five Oscars, including the prize for best picture.1 Its victory capped a tumultuous awards season.
Sean Baker, the maverick behind “Anora,” was recognized for producing, directing, editing and writing the film’s screenplay, becoming the first person to win four Oscars for the same movie.2 It was an extraordinary embrace by the entertainment industry of a filmmaker who has largely operated outside of it, making low-budget fare like “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project.” Baker’s latest film was a favorite with critics and its Oscar success is a statement-making moment for Neon, the indie distributor behind “Anora,” which previously guided “Parasite” to a best picture statue in 2020. However, having earned $40 million globally, “Anora” also ranks as one of the lowest-grossing best picture winners in history.
Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) and Mikey Madison (“Anora”) took the top acting honors. Brody, a previous winner for “The Pianist,” played a brilliant, but troubled architect, while Madison scored an upset victory for her portrayal of an exotic dancer under pressure to get an annulment from her rich husband.3
Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) was named best supporting actor for his turn as a troubled man on a tour of Poland with his cousin, while Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”) won best supporting actress for her performance as an attorney who helps a cartel leader undergo gender affirmation surgery.4
Among other major winners, “I’m Still Here,” a family drama set during Brazil’s military dictatorship, was named best international feature.5 It was the first time the country had ever won the honor. “Flow,” a fantasy adventure from Latvia about a cat’s efforts to survive a flood, picked up best animated feature.6 And “No Other Land,” a look at the Israeli government’s efforts to force Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank, won best documentary.7
Conan O’Brien, a former late night TV staple turned podcasting impresario, hosted the Oscars for the first time.8
It was Baker who made the most passionate defense of the moviegoing tradition, pleading with the audience to support cinemas.9
Full List of Winners:
- Best Picture: “Anora,” (Neon) Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Sean Baker, Producers10
- Best Director: Sean Baker, “Anora”11
- Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”12
- Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison, “Anora”13
- Actor in a Supporting Role: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”14
- Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
- Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave,” Screenplay by Peter Straughan15
- Original Screenplay: “Anora,” Written by Sean Baker16
- Animated Short Film: “In the Shadow of the Cypress,” Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi17
- Costume Design: “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell18
- Live Action Short Film: “I’m Not a Robot” (The New Yorker) Victoria Warmerdam and Trent
- Makeup and Hairstyling: “The Substance,” Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli19
- Original Score: “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg20
- Animated Feature Film: “Flow” (Sideshow/Janus Films)21
- Cinematography: “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley22
- Documentary Feature Film: “No Other Land,” Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal and Yuval Abraham23
- Documentary Short Film: “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” (Netflix) Molly O’Brien and Lisa Remington24
- Film Editing: “Anora” Sean Baker25
- International Feature Film: “I’m Still Here,” Brazil26
- Original Song: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” Music by Clément Ducol and Camille, Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard
- Production Design: “Wicked,” Production Design: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
- Sound: “Dune: Part Two,” Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill27
- Visual Effects: “Dune: Part Two,” Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer28
Congratulations to all the winners from us all at African Entertainment.
