The 97th Academy Awards, celebrating films from 2024, gave us some moments we expected and a few big surprises. But the biggest one, at least for many watching at home, was Anora winning Best Picture. This film, directed by Sean Baker, also picked up a few more major awards. Mikey Madison took home Actress in a Leading Role. Sean Baker himself won for Directing. In total, Anora ended up with five Oscars. This was a pretty big deal. Especially when you think about some of the other movies it was up against.
The film had a strong showing at Cannes earlier. It won the Palme d'Or there, which is a huge honor. For a while, awards watchers mostly thought the real Oscar race started with fall festivals like Venice or Toronto. But when a film like Anora can win big at Cannes and then go all the way to Best Picture at the Oscars, it makes you think. Maybe the awards season starts much earlier than we thought. It certainly felt like Anora had been building steam for a long time even if it wasn't always the loudest movie in the conversation.
I know some people might have been rooting for other films. Movies like Dune: Part Two or The Brutalist were also in the running for Best Picture. They are very different films. Dune: Part Two had all the big-budget spectacle you could ask for. The Brutalist was a heavy drama. But Anora managed to stand out. It brought something fresh and a little wild to the Oscar stage. This kind of win often feels more exciting to me than when a clear favorite takes the top prize.
Anora's Big Night At The Oscars: Highlighting Its Unexpected Yet Deserved Victories
From Cannes Palme d'Or To Best Picture, Director, And Lead Actress For Mikey Madison
Anora’s journey to the Best Picture win was quite a ride. Its win at Cannes definitely put it on the map for serious film buffs. But winning the Palme d’Or is one thing. Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture is a whole other level of success. It means the film really connected with a wider group of voters. It is a testament to the quality of the storytelling and the performances. I always like it when a film that might feel a little outside the usual Oscar box ends up taking the biggest prize.
Sean Baker winning for Directing was also a fantastic moment. His style is very specific. He often tells stories about people living on the edges of society. He does it in a way that feels raw and honest. His films make you feel like you are right there with the characters. It is not always pretty but it is always real. This kind of directing often gets praised. But it does not always win the top directing award. So seeing him recognized on this stage was a great nod to his unique approach to filmmaking. It showed that the Academy was willing to look beyond the usual Hollywood names.
And then there is Mikey Madison. Her win for Actress in a Leading Role for Anora was truly well-deserved. She put on such a powerful show. She really brought her character to life in a way that felt completely authentic. It is a demanding role. She absolutely nailed it. Her performance was one of the most talked-about parts of the film. It clearly resonated with voters. She was up against some amazing talent too. Actresses like Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez and Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here were also nominated. It was a tough group. But Madison’s raw, unforgettable performance stood out.
Other Standout Performances And Key Wins From The 97th Academy Awards Ceremony
A Look At The Acting Triumphs And Technical Awards That Shaped The Night
While Anora was a major winner, other actors and films also had their moments to shine. Adrien Brody picked up the award for Actor in a Leading Role for his work in The Brutalist. He delivered a really strong performance in that film. It was intense and memorable. He always brings a lot to his roles. Seeing him recognized was good. Zoe Saldaña won Actress in a Supporting Role for Emilia Pérez. This was a fun and different kind of role for her. She showed a side of her acting we do not always see. It was a pleasant surprise.
Kieran Culkin won Actor in a Supporting Role for A Real Pain. He is a very talented actor. He has been doing great work for years. His performance in that film was heartfelt. It was also very relatable. It is nice to see actors who have consistently delivered good performances finally get their Oscar moment. The awards show celebrated a mix of big names and some fresh faces. This variety made the night feel more interesting. It showed that the Academy is trying to look at a wider range of films and talents.
On the technical side of things, Dune: Part Two did very well. It won for Sound and Visual Effects. This was no surprise. The film is a visual and auditory masterpiece. Every scene looked and sounded incredible. It was truly an experience to watch on the big screen. Wicked also won for Production Design and Costume Design. These wins were expected too. The film is visually stunning with its vibrant sets and incredible costumes. It was clear a lot of effort went into those areas. These awards celebrate the people behind the scenes. They make the magic happen.
Reflecting On The Impact Of Anora's Win And The Direction Of The Oscars
How This Year's Best Picture Choice Might Influence Future Award Seasons And Film Choices
Anora’s Best Picture win definitely felt like a moment. It was not the kind of big, sprawling epic that often wins. Instead, it was a gritty, personal story. It was told with a lot of heart and energy. This kind of win can send a message. It shows that smaller, more independent films can still break through and win the top prize. It reminds us that good storytelling and strong performances can still make the biggest impact. This is something I always hope for in the awards season. I like seeing a film that truly takes risks get recognized.
The success of Anora at both Cannes and the Oscars highlights a growing trend. There is a closer connection between international film festivals and the Academy Awards. Films that gain early buzz at places like Cannes can build momentum. This momentum can carry them all the way to the big stage. It means that to get a full picture of the Oscar race, you need to start paying attention earlier in the year. It also means that more diverse and international films might have a better chance of being seen and appreciated by Oscar voters. This is a good thing for cinema overall.
Ultimately, the 97th Academy Awards felt like a strong year for film. Anora winning Best Picture was a defining moment. It was a win that felt right. It showed that quality storytelling, strong directing, and incredible acting can still win over the industry. It will be interesting to see how this win impacts the types of films that get made and celebrated in the years to come. For now, I am just happy that a film like Anora got its moment in the spotlight. It truly deserved it.