In a star-studded event in Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards culminated in a surprising victory for “Anora,” claiming the coveted best picture award. Directed by Sean Baker, the film presents a raw, yet humorous, narrative of an erotic dancer who escapes with the offspring of a Russian oligarch. Despite its refreshing divergence from typical Hollywood glitz, the film secured top honors, including four awards for Baker himself. “Anora,” previously recognized at the Cannes Film Festival with the Palme d’Or, defied the odds by outshining mainstream giants like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two,” despite bringing in merely $16 million at the box office. This award aligns with a recent trend of independent films finding success at the Oscars, following previous winners like “CODA” and “Nomadland.”
In a film industry increasingly dominated by streaming services and shaken by economic challenges, Baker’s cinematic triumph highlights a nostalgic return to traditional theater experiences. He fervently endorsed the conventional 90-day exclusive theatrical releases, passionately stating, “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater.” In bagging four Oscars (picture, directing, editing, screenplay), Baker matched an Oscar-winning feat that stood since Walt Disney’s colossal win with four different films in 1954. On stage, a jubilant Baker cheered, “Long live independent film!”
Amidst an evening rich with variety, Conan O’Brien hosted the ceremony, blending upbeat musical interludes with a sprinkle of humor. Notably, the acting awards saw accolades for Adrien Brody, who clinched best actor for his role in “The Brutalist,” alongside Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña. Brody, revisiting Oscar glory two decades after his memorable win for “The Pianist,” used his acceptance speech as a call for peace and unity amidst a world fraught with lingering historical traumas. He shared, “I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world.”
Madison, lauded with best actress for her performance in “Anora,” echoed Baker’s sentiments on honoring the underrepresented lives of sex workers. Netflix’s much-anticipated entry, “Emilia Pérez,” walked away with two trophies: best song and best supporting actress for Saldaña, despite initial controversies surrounding the film’s lead.
Among the evening’s pleasant surprises, Kieran Culkin secured his first Oscar for best supporting actor, whilst the animated feature category saw an unexpected victory for “Flow,” a poignant Latvian film. Meanwhile, “Wicked” celebrated achievements in production and costume design, with designer Paul Tazewell making history.
The screenplay and technical categories saw diverse winners, from “The Substance” taking home the best makeup and hairstyling to “Dune: Part Two” securing awards for visual effects and sound. The musical interludes, headlined by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s heartfelt performances, underscored the resilience of Los Angeles after devastating wildfires.
Political discourse was subdued throughout the ceremony, though Daryl Hannah briefly broke the silence with a poignant “Glory to Ukraine.” On a related front, the politically charged documentary “No Other Land,” exploring the tense realities of the West Bank, emerged victorious, reflecting a growing appetite for timely, thought-provoking content.
The night concluded with a heartfelt homage to the late Gene Hackman, delivered by Morgan Freeman. The overall ceremony, marked by its mix of surprises and powerful moments, illustrated the Academy’s ongoing evolution amidst an ever-changing cinematic landscape.
