With many remarkable releases, 2024 was a noteworthy year for the movie industry. The year 2024 saw the release of movies, such as The Brutalist, Conclave, Sing Sing, Dune: Part Two (review), and many more. Consequently, this year’s Oscars was jam-packed with stellar movies vying against one another to win the most prestigious award in Hollywood.
NEON’s Anora was also released last year and was considered the underdog once the nominations for Oscars 2025 were announced. Now, Sean Baker’s work has made history at the Oscars 2025 by winning the Best Picture award.
Earlier this year, reports suggested Anora isn’t on the list of favorites to win in the main categories due to the risky themes it deals with. This was evident when the 2024 Palme d’Or winner, Anora, didn’t earn any recognition at this year’s Golden Globes, SAG, and BAFTA, well, apart from Mikey Madison winning the Best Actress award at the BAFTAs.
If you have been following these esteemed awards, then you already know about the movies that got the most accolades at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, etc., and had the potential to become the winners at the Oscars. However, Sean Baker’s Anora defied all the odds by winning five out of six main category awards it was nominated for: Best Picture, Best Actress in Leading Role, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Writing (Original Screenplay).
Anora’s director, writer, and editor won four Oscars in one sweep at the Oscars 2025. Now, Walt Disney’s record for the most Academy Awards wins in one award ceremony is tied by the critically-acclaimed director, Sean Baker.
Sean Baker has now become living proof that indie films, which are seen as underdogs, can achieve greater heights in the cinema world dominated by massive-budgeted giants. In his final speech, he thanked the Academy and the indie artists who made Anora:
I want to thank the Academy for recognizing a truly independent film. This film is made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists. Long live independent film!
To be honest, I didn’t expect Anora to take home the Best Picture award. Everyone, including me, was eying The Brutalist to bag it here as well, but Anora surprised us the most. Anora is about how the life of an escort transforms when she meets a rich Russian guy. It’s one of my favorite movies from last year. It was an exceptionally crafted and chaotic ride with incredible performances that tugged at my heartstrings in the end.
Sean Baker has inspired the next generation of cinema lovers to keep making beautiful indie movies by making history. Furthermore, Anora winning here is a good sign that the Academy Awards are recognizing every worthy movie.
Having said that, what do you think about Anora winning the most awards at the Oscars 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
