“Anora,” the story of a sex worker from New York who is given a chance to start a new life when she suddenly marries a wealthy Russian client, won five Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award.
In addition to Best Picture, Sean Baker won awards for Best Director, Original Screenplay, and Editing, tying the record for the most Oscars won by an individual in a single year, alongside Walt Disney, who won for four different films in 1954.
The 25-year-old star of the film, Mikey Madison, was named Best Actress.
“Anora” was made with a budget of six million dollars, a modest amount by Hollywood standards. It emerged victorious in an unpredictable race for Best Picture, competing against the papal-themed thriller “Conclave,” the Jewish immigrant story “The Brutalist,” and the musical blockbuster “Wicked.”
“If you’re trying to make independent films, please keep going. We need more of them. This is proof,” said Baker, a director known for creating small films about porn actors, transgender sex workers, and others from marginalized groups.
Madison won the award against Demi Moore, who was the favorite to win Best Actress for her role in “The Substance.”
“I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away,” Madison said on stage. “To be here today is truly unbelievable.”
She also expressed her gratitude and support for the sex worker community, stating, “I will continue to be an ally.”
“Anora,” distributed by the independent company Neon, has generated 40 million dollars in global box office revenue. “Wicked,” by comparison, has grossed 728 million dollars.
