About “Anora” winning Best Picture at the Oscars and some of the night’s big winners, based on the context of the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025:
General Questions About “Anora” and the Oscars
- What is “Anora” about?
“Anora” is a dramatic comedy about a Brooklyn sex worker named Ani who marries the impulsive son of a Russian oligarch, leading to a whirlwind of events involving romance, chaos, and confrontation. - Who directed “Anora”?
Sean Baker directed “Anora.” He also wrote, produced, and edited the film, earning multiple awards for his work. - When did “Anora” win Best Picture?
“Anora” won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. - How many Oscars did “Anora” win?
“Anora” won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. - Who starred in “Anora”?
Mikey Madison starred as the titular character, Anora (Ani), alongside actors like Yura Borisov and Mark Eydelshteyn. - Why was “Anora” a significant win?
It was a low-budget indie film (made for $6 million) that triumphed over bigger-budget films, highlighting a shift toward recognizing independent cinema at the Oscars.
Questions About the Night’s Big Winners
- Who won Best Actress at the 2025 Oscars?
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in “Anora.” - Who won Best Actor?
Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his performance in “The Brutalist.” - What other films won big at the 2025 Oscars?
Besides “Anora,” “The Brutalist” won three awards, and “Emilia Pérez,” “Wicked,” and “Dune: Part Two” each won two. - Who won Best Supporting Actress?
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” - Who won Best Supporting Actor?
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.” - Did Sean Baker win any other awards besides Best Picture?
Yes, Sean Baker won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing for “Anora,” tying Walt Disney’s record for most Oscars won in a single night (four).

Questions About the Film’s Journey and Impact
- Where did “Anora” premiere?
“Anora” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, where it won the Palme d’Or. - How much did “Anora” make at the box office?
“Anora” grossed $40.9 million globally, making it one of the lowest-grossing Best Picture winners in Oscar history. - What makes “Anora” unique compared to past Best Picture winners?
It’s a low-budget indie film with a focus on marginalized characters, contrasting with the blockbuster winners like “Oppenheimer” from the previous year. - Was “Anora” expected to win Best Picture?
It was a strong contender after winning the Palme d’Or and PGA Award, but some predicted “Conclave” might take the top prize due to its precursor wins at BAFTA and SAG.
Questions About the Oscars Ceremony
- Who hosted the 2025 Oscars?
Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards. - What was a memorable moment from the ceremony?
Conan O’Brien’s quip about “Anora” winning because “Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian” drew attention for its subtle political humor. - Did any other films get major recognition?
Yes, “The Brutalist” won three Oscars, including Best Actor, and “No Other Land,” an Israeli-Palestinian documentary, also won a notable award. - How did the Oscars reflect current events?
The ceremony paid tribute to Los Angeles firefighters who battled wildfires earlier in the year, which had delayed the nomination announcements.
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