"Anora" was a film festival favorite that won over critics and ultimately took home best picture at the Oscars. It was not the BEST picture, though.

“Anora” dominated the Oscar awards ceremony on Sunday night by winning five prizes including “Best Picture” as its lead “Mikey Madison” won the best actress prize while Adrien Brody took home the best acting honor for his role in “The Brutalist.”

Sean Baker’s acclaimed dramedy dominated the 2025 Oscars ceremony, which also included emotionally searing acceptance speeches and high-energy musical numbers.

Anora,” a strip club Cinderalla story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards.

For his movie about an exotic dancer who weds a Russian heir, Sean Baker won awards for best director, original screenplay and editing.

Inside the Dolby Theatre it was not clear that "Anora" director Sean Baker would make Oscars history - until he won one specific category.

"Anora" also won best director for Sean Baker, best actress for Mikey Madison and trophies for original screenplay and editing.

Anora” took home the coveted Best Picture award at the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, following a near sweep of the major categories for which it was recognized. Also winning Best Original

“Anora,” the dark romantic comedy about a Brighton Beach stripper who falls for the unreliable son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday scoring five of its six nominations, including best picture, best director for Sean Baker, and best actress for Mikey Madison.

Mikey Madison took home the trophy for best actress at the 97th Academy Awards – a bit of a shock to viewers at home counting on Demi Moore.

By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -"Anora," the story of a sex worker who gets a chance at a new life when she marries a wealthy client on a whim, won five Academy Awards on Sunday, including the coveted best picture Oscar.