Anora wins Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards amidst a surprising indie victory over blockbuster competitors.
In Short
Anora, directed by Sean Baker, won best picture at the 97th Academy Awards, following its success at Cannes. Mikey Madison won best actress for her role in the film, as the event celebrated a diverse range of talent.
Anora was named best picture at the 97th Academy Awards, directed by Sean Baker.
This unexpected win comes after it also won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film, set in Brooklyn, tells the story of an erotic dancer who elopes with a Russian oligarch’s son and was produced for US$6 million.
Best Adapted Screenplay winner Peter Straughan for CONCLAVE at the 97th #Oscars. Photo Credit: Matt Sayles
Oscar voters opted for Anora over larger films like Wicked and Dune: Part Two, joining other indie best picture winners in recent years. Mikey Madison won best actress for her role in Anora, defeating favourite Demi Moore.
The cast and crew, including Baker, accepted the best picture award at the ceremony. Sean Baker also won best director, best original screenplay, and best editing, advocating for the importance of theatrical releases in his speech.
Adrien Brody received his second Oscar for best actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Kieran Culkin won the first award of the night for A Real Pain.
Zoe Saldaña earned her first Academy Award for best supporting actress in Emilia Pérez.
Host Conan O’Brien opened the show with his trademark humour, while Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Gene Hackman, who had recently passed away.
The winners list featured Anora as the standout with various other films, marking a diverse range of talent recognised at this year’s awards.
ALL THE 2025 OSCARS WINNERS
Best picture
Anora – WINNER
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked
Best actor
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist – WINNER
Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Best actress
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison – Anora – WINNER
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
Best director
Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Sean Baker – Anora – WINNER
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
Best supporting actress
Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Best supporting actor
Yura Borisov – Anora
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain – WINNER
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
Best adapted screenplay
A Complete Unknown – Jay Cocks and James Mangold
Conclave – Peter Straughan
Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard
Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes
Sing Sing – Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar
Best original screenplay
Anora – Sean Baker – WINNER
The Brutalist – Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold
A Real Pain – Jesse Eisenberg
September 5 – Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
In Short:
– The UN struggles with violence in Gaza and doubts about its role in global conflicts.
– International pressure on Israel increases, with smaller nations relying on the UN to express their concerns.
The United Nations faces significant challenges as it grapples with escalating violence in Gaza and broader global issues.
Delegates are gathering this week in New York for the UN General Assembly, where the UN’s inability to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict looms large.Historically, the UN aimed to establish peace between Jewish and Arab states in Palestine.
However, its power to address current tensions has diminished, especially with Israel’s continued incursions into Palestinian territories. Israeli officials, including the ambassador to the UN, have vocalised frustrations towards the organisation.
The UN’s challenges extend to its roles in humanitarian aid and climate initiatives, facing budget constraints and diminished expectations.
Global leaders are questioning the UN’s relevance, particularly regarding pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict.
International Response
Increased international scrutiny of Israel parallels historical situations, leading to calls for intensified diplomatic efforts.
The EU has proposed new measures affecting Israeli imports. Amidst this, smaller nations view the UN as a vital platform to voice concerns that might otherwise go unheard.
In Short:
– Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million residency gold card to boost American hiring.
– Critics argue increased fees may limit smaller firms’ access to foreign talent, impacting U.S. tech innovation.
President Trump announced significant changes to the U.S. immigration system, introducing a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million “gold card” for residency.
The move aims to increase revenue and promote the hiring of American workers, claiming that many tech companies exploit the current system.The fee increase targets H-1B visa applications, which traditionally have low entry costs.
Trump stated the initiative aims to bring in highly skilled individuals rather than those crossing the borders illegally. A gold card requiring a $1 million payment will expedite visa processing, with a reduced availability compared to existing green card categories.
The new programme could alter the competitive landscape for U.S. tech companies, which historically depend on H-1B visas to access foreign talent.
Critics warn that the increased fees may deter smaller firms from utilising these visas, potentially hindering U.S. progress in tech sectors like artificial intelligence.
Visa Impact
Debate persists within Trump’s administration regarding the new policy’s implications. Supporters argue it protects American jobs, while opponents contend it restricts access to global talent crucial for innovation.
The H-1B visa programme, established in 1990, remains vital for skilled foreign workers seeking residency in the U.S., yet faces growing scrutiny.