‘Anora’ Takes Home the Oscar as The Best Movie of 2025
In a night of cinematic triumphs, Sean Baker’s Anora closed out the 97th Academy Awards with the coveted Oscar for Best Picture, capping off a fairy-tale journey for the independent film. The dramatic comedy, which follows the whirlwind romance between a Brooklyn stripper and the wayward son of a Russian oligarch, has been the talk of the awards season — and for good reason.
Led by breakout star Mikey Madison, who took home the Oscar for Best Lead Actress in a somewhat surprising but well-deserved win, Anora tells the story of a young woman summoned to dance for a Russian heir because she speaks his language. What begins as an ordinary night soon spirals into a whirlwind love affair that leads to an impulsive marriage. However, when the news reaches the groom’s powerful parents, the couple is caught in a chaotic cross-country caper stretching from New York City to Las Vegas.
Madison’s performance captivated audiences and critics, portraying the titular character with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength. Accepting her first-ever Oscar, Madison appeared visibly emotional, calling the win “very surreal” and thanking the Academy, her family, and the film’s cast and crew. The actress also used her platform to honor the sex worker community, a group she immersed herself in while preparing for the role.
“I will continue to support and be an ally,” Madison declared. “All of the incredible people, the women, that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community have been one of the highlights of this incredible experience.”
Despite being a first-time nominee, Madison’s victory disrupted the night’s expectations, beating out seasoned frontrunner Demi Moore, who had dominated much of the awards circuit. However, Madison’s win feels emblematic of the film’s underdog journey — a story not just about love but about defying odds.
The film’s triumph also marks a significant moment for independent cinema. During their acceptance speeches, Director Sean Baker and the film’s producers repeatedly emphasized the importance of independent filmmaking.
“We made this movie independently. If you’re trying to make independent films, please keep doing it; we need more,” producer Alex Coco urged. Meanwhile, producer Samantha Quan added, “We made this with little money but with all our hearts. To all the dreamers and young filmmakers out there: tell the stories you want to tell. Tell the stories that move you. I promise you, you will never regret it.”
The road to Oscar glory began long before Sunday night, with Anora racking up wins at the PGA, DGA, and WGA Awards, along with the Critics Choice Award for Best Picture. It even claimed the prestigious Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most talked-about films.
As the credits roll on this year’s Oscars, Anora stands as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, a story that proves bold storytelling and heartfelt performances can still break through in an industry often dominated by big-budget productions. For Mikey Madison, Sean Baker, and everyone who poured their hearts into Anora, the night was nothing short of a dream realized.
