This year’s Oscar season has been nothing less than exhilarating, brimming with fierce campaigns, surprising controversies, and, above all, exceptional films. As the final weekend drew near, the competition for Best Picture remained uncertain, with no distinct leader emerging from the various awards events.

The BAFTA awarded the Vatican-set thriller *Conclave*, while *Anora* achieved recognition at the Critics Choice Awards and the Spirit Awards. On the other hand, the Golden Globes distributed their top accolades, granting Best Drama to *The Brutalist* and Best Musical/Comedy to *Emilia Pérez*. Nevertheless, as the 97th Academy Awards concluded, just one film could claim the much-coveted Best Picture award—and that accolade went to *Anora*.

Helmed by Oscar-winning director Sean Baker, *Anora* garnered six Academy Award nominations and features Mikey Madison, who also took home an Oscar for her performance. The narrative centers on a Brooklyn sex worker in pursuit of love and autonomy, only to find herself caught in chaos after marrying the easygoing son of a Russian oligarch. Once his influential parents discover their marriage, they dispatch a trio of clumsy enforcers to separate them. In *Mashable*’s enthusiastic review, it was characterized as “*a visceral experience, not turning the audience into voyeurs but making them part of the crew. Thus involved, our pulses quicken, our eyes widen, our hearts leap as our protagonists do. *Anora* delivers a magnificent thrill, as daring as it is brilliant.*”

During their acceptance addresses, both Baker and Madison conveyed their appreciation to the sex workers who contributed their stories, aiding in the realization of *Anora*. By the end of the evening, the film had claimed five Academy Awards, including Best Achievement in Editing and Best Original Screenplay.

**Where to watch:** *Anora* can be rented or purchased on Prime Video.