Director Sean Baker’s Anora, the romantic comedy-drama about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, dominated this year’s Academy Awards, winning five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture title, on Sunday.
The 2024 film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
Sean Baker Creates History
Director Sean Baker had a remarkable evening when he swept the awards for director, editing and original screenplay.
Sean Baker created history by becoming the first person to win four Oscars for the same film in one night.
In his first speech after receiving the award, Baker was quoted as saying by The Guardian: “They have shared their stories, they have shared their life experiences over the years, my deepest respect, I share this with you.”
Best Actress
Mikey Madison, who won hearts by playing the character of a sex worker in Anora, clinched the Best Actress title, beating Hollywood star Demi Moore who put up a strong show with The Substance.
Moore was seen as a frontrunner for the title after winning at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild awards.
The Substance managed to win just one title for makeup and hairstyling.
Best Actor
The Best Actor award went to Adrien Brody for playing the lead in The Brutalist.
The movie was seen as a major challenge for Anora on its path to clinch the Best Movie title.
This was Brody’s second Best Actor award win after he had lifted it in 2003 for playing the lead in The Pianist.
The Brutalist ended the night with two other awards for cinematography and original score for British composer Daniel Blumberg.
Adrien and Halle Berry recreated their 2003 Award night red carpet moment when he had kissed her.
The International Feature Film award was won by the Brazilian movie I’m Still Here.
Here are the full list of winners:
Best picture: Anora
Best Actor: Adrien Brody
Best Actress: Mikey Madison
Director: Sean Baker
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin
International Film: I’m Still Here
Documentary Feature: No Other Land
Original Screenplay: Anora
Adapted Screenplay: Conclave
Original Score: The Brutalist
Original Song: El Mal from Emilia Pérez
Animated Film: Flow
Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
Costume Design: Wicked
Cinematography: The Brutalist
Documentary Short Film: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Best Sound: Dune: Part Two
Production Design: Wicked
Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
Film Editing: Anora
(With inputs from IBNS)
