At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, "Anora," directed by Sean Baker, emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture. "Anora" is a modern-day Cinderella story that follows Ani, portrayed by Mikey Madison, an exotic dancer and sex worker from Brooklyn who elopes with the son of a Russian oligarch. Its victory is seen as a triumph for independent cinema, challenging the dominance of big-budget productions and highlighting the Academy's recognition of diverse storytelling.

Sean Baker's direction earned him the Best Director Oscar, marking his first win in this category. Baker also took home awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing, making him the second person in Oscar history, after Walt Disney in 1954, to win four Oscars in a single night. "Anora" faced stiff competition in the Best Picture category, contending with notable films such as "The Brutalist," "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez," and "Wicked." In his acceptance speech, Baker emphasized the importance of preserving the communal experience of watching movies in theaters. He called on filmmakers, distributors, and audiences to support cinema, highlighting the loss of nearly 1,000 screens in the U.S. during the pandemic.

The film's narrative delves into themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of societal norms. Mikey Madison's portrayal of Ani garnered her the Best Actress award, a significant achievement for the 25-year-old actress. Her performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity, capturing the complexities of her character's journey. The film's success also reflects a broader shift in Hollywood's narrative preferences. "Anora," with its explicit sexual content, breaks away from the industry's historical inclination towards violence over sex in top recognitions.

Producers Alex Coco and Samantha Quan, in their acceptance speech for Best Picture, expressed gratitude towards the Academy and emphasized the importance of independent filmmaking. They encouraged aspiring filmmakers to pursue their storytelling passions, highlighting that "Anora," produced on a modest $6 million budget, exemplifies the potential of independent cinema. The film's journey began at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered and won the Palme d'Or, setting the stage for its subsequent success during the awards season.