In a night celebrating cinematic excellence, Anora, a tragicomic tale of love, sex work, and survival in modern-day New York, claimed the coveted Best Picture award at the 96th Academy Awards. Directed by indie filmmaker Sean Baker, the film also secured wins for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, solidifying its dominance with five awards from six nominations.

Baker, known for his raw, humanistic storytelling, dedicated the film’s success to independent cinema. “This film was made with the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Long live independent film.”

From Cannes to Oscar Glory
Anora first made waves at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or, becoming the first American film to do so since The Tree of Life in 2011. However, its road to Oscar victory wasn’t guaranteed. Despite strong critical acclaim, the film went unrecognized at the Golden Globes, and its provocative subject matter—set in the world of New York strippers and Russian billionaires—posed challenges in the mainstream awards circuit.

Yet, through word-of-mouth buzz and key wins from Hollywood’s guilds, Anora gained momentum. The film ultimately earned nearly $40 million globally, proving its widespread appeal.

A Bold Look at Sex Work and Society
Baker’s film follows Ani (Mikey Madison), a young escort who spontaneously marries a Russian oligarch’s son, Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn). What begins as a whirlwind romance quickly unravels into chaos, shifting from fairytale fantasy to darkly comedic crime saga.

True to Baker’s style, Anora features real-life erotic dancers in supporting roles, lending authenticity to its depiction of sex work. Throughout awards season, Baker and Madison have used their platform to advocate for the destigmatization and decriminalization of the profession.

Accepting the Best Original Screenplay award, Baker acknowledged the community that inspired the film: “They have shared their stories, their experiences. My deepest respect.” Madison echoed the sentiment, pledging to remain a vocal ally.

A Career-Defining Moment
With its blend of humor, heartbreak, and social commentary, Anora marks a defining moment in Baker’s career, bringing his signature neo-realist style to the forefront of Hollywood recognition. As the industry continues to evolve, Anora’s triumph signals a growing acceptance of bold, independent storytelling.