“Anora” took home the coveted Best Picture award at the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, following a near sweep of the major categories for which it was recognized.
Also winning Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Editing, the dark fairytale’s director Sean Baker took the stage with film’s cast for his acceptance speech, encouraging people to keep making independent film.
“Long live independent film,” he said to cap the night.
Minutes before taking the night’s top honor, Mikey Madison accepted the Best Actress statuette for her performance in the titular role as Anora ‘Ani’ Mikheeva, a stripper in New York who falls for and marries Russian oligarch, played by Mark Eydelshteyn. After being swept into much wealth, she navigates a family determined to break the couple apart.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Mikey Madison attends the Oscars on Sunday in Hollywood. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Speaking before Oscar nominations, Madison said being being a part of the awards conversation at all was “overwhelming.”
“I know that I’m incredibly overjoyed, honored, and humbled that our film is being recognized in this way. But I’m just processing it,” Madison told BBC . “It’s overwhelming and amazing, and all of the things,”
Earlier in the ceremony, Baker acknowledged the film’s inspiration from the sex worker community.
“I want to thank the sex work community,” Baker said in his acceptance speech. “They have shared their stories. They have shared their life experiences with me over the years. My deepest respect. I share this with you.”
“Anora” has been a clear favorite throughout award season, winning a BAFTA, a Critics’ Choice Award, and three Independent Spirit Awards.
Baker won over the strong field of nominees including “A Complete Unknown,” “Emilia Pérez,” “The Substance,” and “The Brutalist.”
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