Anora, a bold dramedy about a Brooklyn sex worker’s whirlwind romance with a Russian oligarch’s son, took home Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, capping a triumphant night for filmmaker Sean Baker. The indie director won three additional Oscars for Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Director. Rising star Mikey Madison earned Best Actress for her role in the film.
“I want to thank the Academy for recognizing a truly independent film,” Baker said in his final acceptance speech, crediting the film’s success to “the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists.”
Elsewhere in the ceremony, The Brutalist, a historical drama about a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, secured three wins, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, a heartfelt comedy about two cousins reconnecting in Poland.
Big-budget hits also had their moments: Dune: Part Two, the genre-bending musical Emilia Pérez, and Universal’s Wicked adaptation each won two Oscars. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the nearly four-hour ceremony was packed with emotional speeches, a heartfelt tribute to Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, and dazzling musical performances.
Here’s a look at the standout moments from the night:
Winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, Zoe Saldaña broke down in tears as she dedicated her award to her family’s immigrant journey.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961,” she said. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents, and I know I will not be the last American of Dominican origin to stand on this stage.”
Saldaña’s win was one of Emilia Pérez’s two awards, the other being Best Original Song.
The Oscar for Best Documentary Feature went to No Other Land, a film about a Palestinian village under Israeli military occupation.
Co-director Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, said, “Two months ago, I became a father, and my hope is that my daughter will not have to live the same life I am living now.”
Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham added: “We made this film together because our voices are stronger united. The destruction of Gaza must end. The hostages from October 7 must be freed. We need a political solution with national rights for both of our people.”
During the In Memoriam segment, Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, who passed away earlier this year.
“Gene always said he didn’t think about legacy—he just wanted to be remembered for doing good work,” Freeman said. “Gene, you will be remembered for that—and so much more.”
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was found dead in his Santa Fe home under circumstances that authorities have deemed “suspicious.”
The night was filled with high-energy performances, including an opening number from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The duo sang a medley of Over the Rainbow, Home, and Defying Gravity, celebrating the long-awaited big-screen adaptation.
A tribute to the James Bond franchise featured The Substance actress Margaret Qualley in a dance performance, followed by musical numbers from Lisa (BLACKPINK), Doja Cat, and RAYE covering iconic Bond themes.
Near the ceremony’s close, Queen Latifah brought the house down with Ease on Down the Road in honor of legendary music producer Quincy Jones.
With Anora’s dominant wins and emotionally charged speeches, the 97th Academy Awards will be remembered as a night celebrating independent cinema, global voices, and show-stopping entertainment.
