Anora has won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards. This is a big achievement for independent films. Sean Baker, the film’s director, has shown great skill and bold creativity. Anora won five awards tonight, and Mikey Madison received the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for playing the main character.
Many strong films competed for the top prize. Dune: Part Two amazed audiences with its grand sci-fi experience. Wicked brought a well-loved Broadway show to the big screen. The Brutalist told a deep historical story starring Adrien Brody. A Complete Unknown showed the early years of Bob Dylan’s career.
Nickel Boys focused on historical injustices, and Emilia Pérez stood out as a unique musical crime story. Even with such strong competition, Anora’s personal and realistic storytelling made a deep impact. This win shows that independent films continue to have a strong presence at the Oscars.
Also Read: Oscar-Nominated ‘Memoir of a Snail’ Proves Animation Can Tell Powerful Adult Stories
Important Details About the 97th Academy Awards
The Oscars took place at the famous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Conan O’Brien, a well-known comedian and late-night talk show host, hosted the event.
The Dolby Theatre has hosted the Academy Awards since 2001 and can hold about 3,300 guests. Last year, the 96th Academy Awards celebrated the best films of 2023. Oppenheimer was the biggest winner, taking home seven Oscars.
The Academy honored four people with special awards this year. Quincy Jones received an award for his long and successful musical career. Juliet Taylor was recognized for her work as a casting director who created some of the most memorable film casts.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were awarded for their contributions to the movie industry. Richard Curtis was honored for his outstanding storytelling and charitable efforts.
Emilia Pérez received the most nominations this year, with 13 in total. The Brutalist and Wicked both earned 10 nominations. A Complete Unknown and Conclave followed with 8 nominations each. Dune: Part Two and The Substance each received 5 nominations.
Box Office Earnings of Best Picture Nominees
Here are the earnings for the films nominated for Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards:
- Wicked: $328 million (domestic), $728 million (global)
- Dune: Part Two: $314 million (domestic), $714 million (global)
- Anora: $14 million (domestic), $28 million (global)
- The Brutalist: $8 million (domestic), $15 million (global)
- Emilia Pérez: $20 million (domestic), $35 million (global)
- A Complete Unknown: $25 million (domestic), $50 million (global)
- Conclave: $30 million (domestic), $55 million (global)
- The Substance: $17 million (domestic), $77 million (global)
- I’m Still Here: $12 million (domestic), $22 million (global)
- Nickel Boys: $10 million (domestic), $18 million (global)
Also Read: Anora Movie Ending Explained: What Does The Climax Reveal About The Characters?
