“Surprise Star Shines Bright at the Oscars!”
Anora stole the spotlight at the Oscars, clinching five awards including best actress for rising talent Mikey Madison, and an impressive four trophies for its director Sean Baker.
The fast-paced drama features newcomer Madison as a New York stripper who finds love with the son of a wealthy Russian.
She triumphed over competition from Demi Moore, expressing her delight at winning the best actress Oscar as a “dream come true.”
Baker made history by personally scooping four Academy Awards for a single film – for directing, editing, writing, and producing Anora.
Other winners at the event included Kieran Culkin, Adrien Brody, and Zoe Saldaña. “Flow” nabbed the best animated film award, and “I’m Still Here” claimed the top international prize.
During her speech, Madison, 25, shared, “This all feels so surreal. Growing up in Los Angeles, Hollywood always seemed distant, so being here in this room today is truly incredible.”
She added, “I want to show respect and support to the sex worker community. I will continue to stand by them… meeting the incredible women from that community has been a highlight of this entire amazing journey.”
The best director honor was presented by Quentin Tarantino, who had previously cast Madison in a small role in his movie “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.”
Accepting the award from Tarantino, Baker credited him, saying, “If you hadn’t cast Mikey Madison… there wouldn’t be an Anora.”
Baker went on to thank the Academy voters for “acknowledging a genuinely independent film” and used his best director speech to advocate for cinemas.
“Where did our love for movies begin? In movie theaters,” Baker emphasized. “Watching a film in a theater with an audience is an experience. And in a time of division, this is more crucial than ever, it’s a communal experience that can’t be replicated at home.”
He continued, “The cinema experience is currently under threat, with independently owned theaters facing challenges, and it’s up to us to support them.”
In his closing remarks, Baker declared, “This is my call to action: Filmmakers, continue creating films for the big screen. I certainly will. Distributors, please prioritize the theatrical releases of my films.”
Baker is the first person to win four Oscars for a single film. Walt Disney did secure four awards in a single night in 1953, but for four different films.
Adrien Brody of “The Brutalist” was crowned best actor for his portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect forging a new life in the US after World War II.
Brody, who last received an Oscar nomination in 2003 when he became the youngest winner of best actor for “The Pianist,” reflected, “Acting is a delicate profession. It may appear glamorous at times, and it certainly can be, but returning here has
Additionally, brutalist earned two British victories: best cinematography for Lol Crawley, a Wales native, and best original score for composer Daniel Blumberg. Zoe Saldaña was recognized as best supporting actress for her role in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, which tells the story of a drug lord who undergoes a gender transformation. Saldaña expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt acceptance speech, acknowledging the Academy for honoring the quiet bravery and strength embodied by her character, Rita. She also highlighted her immigrant roots, proudly declaring herself as the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award.
Emilia Pérez triumphed with the best original song award for “El Mal,” performed by Saldaña in the film. Kieran Culkin, known for his role in Succession, claimed the title of best supporting actor for his performance in “A Real Pain,” a film depicting two cousins on a journey through Poland in memory of their grandmother. Culkin humorously expressed his astonishment at winning and credited the film’s writer and director, Jesse Eisenberg, for his genius.
The Oscars took place in the aftermath of wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, prompting a tribute to the city and its firefighters at the ceremony. Notable wins included Wicked for best production design and best costume design, marking Paul Tazewell as the first Black man to receive the latter award. Dune: Part Two secured victories in best sound and best visual effects categories, while the Bafta winner Conclave took home the prize for best adapted screenplay.
The event also featured touching moments, such as Morgan Freeman’s tribute to the late Gene Hackman and the emotional acceptance speech from Iranian directors Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi for their animated short film, “In The Shadow of the Cypress.” Additionally, the documentary film “No Other Land” and the international film “I’m Still Here” were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cinema.
In the midst of the persistent conflict in the region, co-director Yuval Abraham emphasized the power of unity between Palestinians and Israelis in the creation of their film. “Our voices are stronger together,” Abraham expressed during the film’s debut.
The event also featured sensational performances by renowned artists Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who captivated the audience with a spellbinding medley from the popular musical Wicked. Adding to the evening’s allure, Raye, Liza from Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Margaret Qualley graced the stage with electrifying performances as part of a tribute to the iconic James Bond franchise. Each artist brought their own unique flair to the tribute, creating a memorable and diverse musical experience for the attendees.
The gathering served as a platform for creative collaboration and cultural celebration, showcasing the potential for harmony and mutual respect amidst the ongoing tensions in the region. Through art and music, the event illustrated the transformative power of shared expression and solidarity in bridging divides and fostering understanding.
As the night unfolded, the audience was enraptured by the fusion of talents and the harmonious coexistence of different voices on stage. The message of unity and cooperation resonated throughout the event, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the complexities of the region’s conflict.
In a world often plagued by division and discord, moments of creative harmony remind us of the common threads that bind us together. Through shared artistic endeavors and collaborative efforts, bridges can be built, and barriers broken down, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future for all.
