News
Anora Sweeps the Board at the Oscars: A Night of Historic Wins
Mar
The 96th Academy Awards was a night to remember, as Anora took home a staggering five Oscars, marking a defining moment in film history. From breakout star Mikey Madison winning Best Actress to Sean Baker‘s record-breaking four Oscars for directing, editing, writing, and producing, the film solidified its place among the greatest cinematic achievements.
Anora’s Historic Night at the Oscars
The 96th Academy Awards will be remembered as the night Anora dominated Hollywood, securing five major awards, including Best Actress for Mikey Madison and a record-breaking four Oscars for director Sean Baker. The independent drama, which follows the tumultuous love story of a New York stripper and the son of a wealthy Russian, captivated audiences and critics alike.
The Big Winner – Anora’s Five Oscar Triumphs
Anora’s impressive haul at the Oscars solidifies its place in history. The film took home:
- 🏆 Best Actress – Mikey Madison
- 🏆 Best Director – Sean Baker
- 🏆 Best Editing – Sean Baker
- 🏆 Best Original Screenplay – Sean Baker
- 🏆 Best Picture – Sean Baker (Producer)
This makes Sean Baker the first person to win four Oscars for a single film, an achievement previously unmatched except by Walt Disney, who won four awards in one night—but for different films.
Best Actress – Mikey Madison’s Breakthrough Moment
Mikey Madison‘s Best Actress win was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The 25-year-old actress triumphed over Demi Moore and delivered an emotional speech:
“This is very surreal. I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. To be here standing in this room today is really incredible.”
She also used her moment to advocate for sex workers, saying:
“I want to honour and recognise the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally… The women I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community have been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience.”
Her victory cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.
Sean Baker’s Record-Breaking Wins
Sean Baker’s historic night was underscored by his heartfelt speech as he accepted the Best Director award, presented by Quentin Tarantino—who previously cast Madison in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.
“If you didn’t cast Mikey Madison… there’d be no Anora.”
Baker took the opportunity to champion independent cinema:
“Where did we fall in love with movies? At the movie theatres. Watching a film in a theatre with an audience is an experience. And at a time when the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. It’s a communal experience you just don’t get at home.”
Baker also used his speech to urge distributors to prioritize theatrical releases:
“This is my battle cry: Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen. I know I will. Distributors, please focus first and foremost on the theatrical releases of my films.”
The Power of Independent Cinema
Baker’s words resonated with cinephiles and industry professionals, as he highlighted the challenges faced by independently owned theatres. The success of Anora is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, proving that big-budget franchises aren’t the only ones capable of capturing audiences’ hearts.
Other Major Winners of the Night
While Anora dominated the awards, several other films and actors had their moment in the spotlight. Some of the notable winners include:
Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor for The Brutalist
Adrien Brody’s portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect in The Brutalist earned him his second Oscar, marking his first win since The Pianist in 2003.
In an emotional speech, Brody reflected on the fragility of acting careers:
“Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous, and in certain moments it is, but the one thing I’ve gained in having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective.”
Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Best Supporting Actress Win
Zoe Saldaña was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical about a drug lord who transitions gender.
“I am floored by this honour. Thank you to the Academy for recognising the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita.”
She also celebrated her Dominican heritage, becoming the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar:
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, and I know I will not be the last.”
Her film also won Best Original Song for El Mal, performed by Saldaña.
Kieran Culkin’s Best Supporting Actor Triumph
Following an incredible awards season sweep, Succession star Kieran Culkin secured his first Academy Award for A Real Pain, where he played one of two cousins on a journey across Poland.
Culkin humorously addressed his win:
“I have no idea how I got here. I’ve just been acting my whole life, it’s just been a part of what I do.”
He also thanked Jesse Eisenberg, the film’s writer and director:
“Thank you for this movie, you’re a genius. I’d never say that to your face, I’ll never say it again, so soak it up.”
Flow Wins Best Animated Film
The beautifully crafted Flow was awarded Best Animated Feature, beating out other nominees in a competitive category.
I’m Still Here Takes Best International Film
The Brazilian film I’m Still Here, based on a true story, was named Best International Film.
What This Oscars Night Means for Hollywood
The 2024 Academy Awards proved to be a night of historic wins, diverse storytelling, and a celebration of independent cinema. With Sean Baker making history and Mikey Madison becoming the industry’s newest star, Anora has cemented itself as one of the most significant films in recent years.
The night also recognized socially relevant films, the power of diversity, and the importance of theatrical experiences, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Stay tuned for more insights into Hollywood’s biggest night!
What was your favorite moment from this year’s Academy Awards? Let us know in the comments!
See more news at: Zyphortee
