Anora’s Triumph at the Oscars
"Anora," a powerful drama that follows a sex worker’s daring escape with the son of a Russian oligarch, emerged as a major winner at the Academy Awards, securing five prestigious honors, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker.
Making her debut as a nominee, Mikey Madison captured the Best Lead Actress award for her emotive portrayal of a 23-year-old sex worker in New York, dedicating her win to the sex worker community and pledging to continue her support as an ally. Madison’s performance in "Anora," which showcases the complexities and challenges faced by its protagonist following her escape, was a standout aspect of the film made on a modest budget of $6 million.
Return to the Dolby Theatre
For the first time, Conan O’Brien took on the hosting duties at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the Oscars’ return to its traditional venue. Amidst the celebrations, the event also paid tribute to firefighters who battled the wildfires that struck Los Angeles earlier in the year, with a moment of appreciation and applause for their bravery and dedication.
Honoring the Sex Worker Community
Both Madison and director Sean Baker used their victory speeches to highlight the courage and stories of the sex workers they consulted during the filmmaking process, expressing deep respect for their community and acknowledging the authentic experiences shared with them.
Adrien Brody’s Call for Reflection
Adrien Brody, named Best Actor for his performance in "The Brutalist," used his moment on stage to reflect on the fragility and challenges of acting, emphasizing the importance of perspective. His film, which narrates the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian immigrant and Holocaust survivor, prompted Brody to advocate for a more inclusive and peaceful world, urging audiences to learn from the past and resist hate.
Winners Announced Across Categories
Zoe Saldaña delivered a poignant acceptance speech for her Best Supporting Actress award, recognizing her Dominican heritage and immigrants’ dreams and hard work. Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain," humorously acknowledged a pre-win promise to have four children with his wife. The film, exploring Jewish heritage, and the Iranian animated short "In the Shadow of the Cypress," which won the animators their first Academy Award, also highlighted the diversity and global impact of the Oscar competitions.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
