'Anora' Is Big Winner At the Academy Awards

•  'Anora' wins five Oscars, including best picture
• Mikey Madison wins best actress, Sean Baker best director
• Adrien Brody wins best actor for 'The Brutalist'
• 'No Other Land' wins best documentary feature
• Brazil's 'I'm Still Here' wins best international feature

"Anora," a gritty yet triumphant tale of a New York sex worker whose impulsive marriage to a wealthy Russian client offers her a shot at a radically different life, dominated the Academy Awards on Sunday, clinching five prestigious honors, including the highly sought-after best picture Oscar. The film, a modest $6 million production that defied Hollywood’s big-budget norms, emerged as a surprising victor in an eclectic and fiercely competitive Oscars race, outshining contenders like the tense papal drama "Conclave," the poignant Jewish immigrant epic "The Brutalist," and the splashy, star-studded musical "Wicked."

Mikey Madison accepts the award for Best Actress for her role in "Anora," taking a moment to "recognize and honor the sex worker community."

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Reuters reports the breakout star of "Anora," 25-year-old Mikey Madison, claimed the best actress trophy, a stunning upset over frontrunner Demi Moore, who had been widely tipped to win for her raw performance in "The Substance." Madison’s win was one of several accolades for the film, which also saw director Sean Baker take home best director, alongside awards for original screenplay and editing. Baker, a filmmaker celebrated for his intimate, low-budget portraits of society’s overlooked figures—porn stars, transgender sex workers, and other marginalized voices—used his moment in the spotlight to champion independent cinema.

For Madison, the win was a deeply personal milestone. Taking the stage, she reflected on her journey with a mix of disbelief and gratitude. “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “To be here standing in this room today is really incredible.” She went on to dedicate her award to the sex worker community, a nod to the role that propelled her to this moment. “I want to thank and honor the sex worker community,” she said. “I will continue to be an ally.” Her words underscored the film’s roots in real-world struggles, amplifying its resonance beyond the glitz of the Oscars stage.

Distributed by indie powerhouse Neon, "Anora" has punched well above its weight, raking in $40 million at the global box office—a remarkable haul for a film of its scale, though dwarfed by the $728 million earned by "Wicked," its flashier rival.