Academy Awards 2025: Anora Wins 5 Awards, Including Best Picture

“...At the 97th Academy Awards, Anora emerged as the standout film of the year, winning a remarkable five awards out of six nominations. The film claimed the prestigious titles of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Anora has proven its excellence in every aspect, from acting and direction to the professional-level editing design. Additionally, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, while Zoe Saldaña took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez…” 

Mikey Madison and Her Powerful Portrayal of a Sex Worker

One of the most highly praised performances of this year’s awards season came from Mikey Madison, who played the role of Anora in the film Anora. Her portrayal was celebrated for its deep emotional depth and authenticity, capturing the pain and hope of her character in a way that resonated profoundly with audiences. Mikey’s ability to bring such raw emotion to the screen was a key factor in her winning the Best Actress award.

In her acceptance speech, she took a moment to acknowledge and honour the sex worker community, saying, " I also just want to, again, recognize and honor the sex worker community. I will. Yes. I will continue to support and be an ally. 'All of the incredible people, the women that I've had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this incredible experience.” She also concluded her speech by recognising her fellow nominees, including Demi Lovato, adding, 'I also just want to recognize the thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, breathtaking work of my fellow nominees. I'm honored to be recognized alongside all of you. 'This is a dream come true, I'm probably going to wake up tomorrow. Thank you so much, Sean Baker, I adore you. This is all because of you. Thank you.'

Sean Baker: The Director Who Created a New World in Anora

Sean Baker, a director known for his unique storytelling style, took home the Best Director award for his work on Anora. In this film, Baker crafted a deeply profound narrative while highlighting important social issues that resonate with today’s world. His use of visuals and editing seamlessly connected with the storyline, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the complex emotions and realities of the characters. Baker’s ability to bring these elements together created a world that felt both authentic and emotionally impactful, further establishing him as one of the most inventive directors of his generation.

Adrien Brody and His Second Oscar Win

This was not Adrien Brody's first time standing on the Oscar stage, as he had previously won the coveted award for his role in The Pianist. This year, he claimed the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist. His portrayal was filled with emotional depth, capturing the essence of his character with remarkable nuance. Brody skillfully connected with the audience in every scene, making his performance one of the most memorable of the year. In this film, he plays a Jewish architect who escapes the horrors of the Holocaust and moves to the land of freedom and opportunity, the United States. In his acceptance speech, Brody expressed the importance of acknowledging the traumas of war and systemic oppression, as well as the need to fight against hate: “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression, and of antisemitism and racism and othering,” Brody said. “I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world, and I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.”

Outstanding Performances and Recognition Beyond Anora at the 97th Academy Awards

This year’s Oscars saw some truly outstanding performances, with Zoe Saldaña from Emilia Pérez winning Best Supporting Actress for her ability to convey the emotional depth and confusion of her character with incredible charm. Similarly, Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his versatile and emotionally rich performance in A Real Pain. While Anora was the dominant film of the night, sweeping up five major awards, other films also received significant recognition.

One such film was Wicked, which claimed the Best Costume and Production Design award. The film’s costume and set design were beautifully executed, enhancing the grandeur and authenticity of the world it created. This attention to detail helped elevate the film’s immersive experience, earning it deserved praise.

The Brutalist, another film with a notable presence, garnered recognition in several categories. Though it didn’t win any major awards, it was highly praised for Best Score, with Daniel Blumberg’s soundtrack perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the film and adding an emotional layer to the experience.

In the Best Original Song category, "El Mar", a song from Emilia Pérez, took home the award for its profound lyrics and its ability to evoke the emotions tied to the film’s themes. Additionally, the Best International Feature award went to I’m Still Here, a film celebrated for its storytelling, which was rich in detail and presented a unique perspective on the human experience.

The 97th Academy Awards served as a celebration of the success and diversity within the film industry in 2025. Anora's remarkable achievement of five awards solidified its place as a cinematic triumph, showcasing the talent and dedication of its cast and crew in bringing this invaluable work to life. At the same time, the recognition of other films further highlighted the broad spectrum of excellence in cinema, offering a platform for filmmakers to demonstrate their full creative potential. This year's Oscar results were not only a tribute to the best works but also an acknowledgment of the many voices shaping the future of film.

Also See:  Academy Awards 2025: Emilia Pérez by Saint Laurent Productions Nominated for 13 Oscars