In a night celebrated for its historic firsts, Sean Baker’s “Anora” was awarded the prestigious best picture at the 97th Academy Awards, becoming the unexpected highlight of the event. The film, which unfolds in the gritty backdrop of Brooklyn, presents an atypical Cinderella story set in a strip club, devoid of a fairy tale conclusion. Baker, who took home five Oscars including Best Director, pointed out that the victory underscored a win for independent cinema, beating out other contenders like “The Brutalist,” which snagged two less.
The ceremony itself was marked by monumental achievements, with Latvia and Brazil earning their very first Oscars for animated feature and international feature films, respectively. In the realm of costume design, Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black person to claim victory in the category. While many experienced their inaugural wins, Adrien Brody marked a return to the podium with another accolade for his compelling role in “The Brutalist.”
“Anora,” already a frontrunner after clinching the Palme d’Or at Cannes, envelops audiences in the story of an exotic dancer’s elopement with an oligarch’s son on a wild Las Vegas jaunt, made with a modest budget of $6 million. Mikey Madison, who played the eponymous character, was awarded Best Actress for her role, solidifying her budding film career following her initial successes on television.
In a moment of reflection on activism and fan mobilization, followers of the papal thriller “Conclave” raised over $45,000 for intersex rights, highlighting the philanthropic enthusiasm accompanying some film releases. Adding to the evening’s surprises, Zoe Saldaña took home her first Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez,” further cementing her footprint in the competitive awards landscape.
The best documentary was awarded to “No Other Land,” a poignant film about Palestinian activists filmed by a collaboration of Israeli and Palestinian creators, which addressed the challenges posed by the Israeli military. Meanwhile, Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” was recognized as best international film, shedding light on a family’s ordeal during the country’s military dictatorship.
Conan O’Brien, making his Oscar hosting debut, enlivened the evening with his trademark wit, poking fun at industry norms and his own journey to the Oscars. A James Bond musical tribute brought flair to the night, with performances by Margaret Qualley, Blackpink’s LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE, adding melody to the cinematic celebration.
Fashion at the Oscars showcased not only glamour but messages of advocacy. Stars like Guy Pearce, who donned a ‘Free Palestine’ pin, and others using attire to communicate support for global causes, brought an air of conscientiousness to the gala.
Among the several sector wins, Peter Straughan’s “Conclave” achieved Best Adapted Screenplay, whereas Sean Baker’s “Anora” also captured the award for Best Original Screenplay. There was a myriad of other significant recognitions, including Iranian filmmakers Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi winning Best Animated Short Film for “In the Shadow of the Cypress.”
Adding a note of humor and nostalgia, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg reunited on stage, giving a nod to their collaborative history in “The Color Purple.” The ceremony, peppered with emotional speeches and memorable moments, left an indelible mark on its participants and viewers worldwide.
