'Anora' Cleans Up at the 97th Academy Awards

At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, "Anora" emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker.

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The film, made on a modest $6 million budget, tells the story of an erotic dancer who elopes with the son of a Russian oligarch. Despite its limited box office performance, earning $16 million, "Anora" achieved significant critical acclaim. 

Major Winners:

• Best Picture: "Anora"
• Best Director: Sean Baker for "Anora"
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist"
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison for "Anora"
• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain"
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez"

The ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, featured memorable musical performances, including Ariana Grande singing "Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" and Cynthia Erivo performing "Home" from "The Wiz." The duo later collaborated on a duet of "Defying Gravity" from their film "Wicked." 

And what about the James Bond Tribute...