At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, the film Anora caused quite a stir by taking home the prestigious top prize. During the awards ceremony on Friday, February 7 in Los Angeles, writer-director Sean Baker was thrilled to accept the award for best picture, surpassing other notable contenders such as A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, Sing Sing, The Substance, and Wicked.
In his acceptance speech, Baker expressed his astonishment at the unexpected win, emphasizing the significance of recognition from those deeply involved in film and criticism. He credited his dedicated cast and crew for bringing the film to life on a modest budget of $6 million, shot on film in New York City.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, Baker highlighted the importance of preserving the cinema experience and supporting local theaters. Anora, featuring Mikey Madison as a New York City sex worker entangled in a tumultuous romantic saga, received a total of seven nominations at the Critics Choice Awards across various categories.
Among other noteworthy films recognized at the ceremony were A Complete Unknown, a music biopic starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, and The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody as a Holocaust survivor turned architect. These films, along with others, showcased the diverse talent and compelling narratives celebrated at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.
In director Brady Corbet’s latest film, which was nominated for Best Picture in the drama category at the Golden Globes, notable performances by actors shined. Another noteworthy film receiving accolades is “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, which tells the story of Catholic cardinals convening in Vatican City to select a new pope. Similarly, “Dune: Part Two,” featuring Timothée Chalamet, garnered praise and nominations for its continuation of the sci-fi epic. Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” explores the journey of a lawyer assisting a cartel leader in a unique transformation. “Nickel Boys” adapts Colson Whitehead’s novel about a reform school experience in 1960s Florida, while “Sing Sing” delves into the world of incarcerated men participating in an arts program at a correctional facility. Additionally, “The Substance” follows a character’s quest for youth through a mysterious drug. Finally, “Wicked: Part One” presents a musical adaptation with a star-studded cast, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, contributing to its impressive nominations tally at various awards ceremonies.
The much-anticipated film is set to hit theaters on November 21. Be sure to catch PEOPLE’s comprehensive coverage of the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards as they air live on E! directly from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Additionally, you can stream the show the next day on Peacock. For more details, check out the original article on People’s website.
