LOS ANGELES – In a defining moment for independent cinema, Anora, a bold and emotional indie dramedy, swept the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night, winning five major categories including Best Picture.
Director Sean Baker, long celebrated for his work spotlighting society’s fringes, claimed three personal trophies—for directing, original screenplay, and editing. Meanwhile, breakout star Mikey Madison took home Best Actress for her raw and compelling performance.
In his speech, Baker praised the resilience of independent creators: “Anora was made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists. This win belongs to every outsider who’s ever told a story that mattered.”
The film’s triumph was seen as a powerful message in favor of creative risk-taking at a time when Hollywood is often dominated by blockbuster formulas and franchise fatigue.
Other highlights of the night included Adrien Brody’s Best Actor win for The Brutalist, and Kieran Culkin’s supporting actor win for A Real Pain. Sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two and musical adaptation Wicked also earned recognition, reflecting a year of genre diversity.
With Conan O’Brien hosting, the Oscars ceremony featured heartfelt speeches, a few surprises, and a celebration of storytelling in its purest form—led by a film that cost less than the average Hollywood marketing budget.
