In a historic night at the 97th Academy Awards, Sean Baker’s film Anora took center stage, securing five prestigious Oscar wins. The critically acclaimed movie won in the categories of Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, marking a major achievement for independent cinema.
Starring Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn, Anora follows the gripping journey of a New York dancer who impulsively marries a Russian oligarch, only to find herself trapped in a nightmarish reality. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or category last year, has been widely celebrated for its bold storytelling and compelling performances.
Anora Joins the Legacy of Multi-Oscar Winning Films
With its remarkable success, Anora joins the ranks of past Oscar-winning films that secured multiple awards, following in the footsteps of cinematic masterpieces that left an indelible mark on the film industry. Here’s a look at some of the most celebrated multi-Oscar-winning films in recent history:
Oppenheimer (2024) – 7 Awards
Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama on physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Original Score, and several technical awards at the 96th Academy Awards.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023) – 7 Awards
The action-packed sci-fi film, featuring Michelle Yeoh, claimed Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, making history at the 95th Academy Awards.
CODA (2022) – 3 Awards
The heartwarming drama won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay, showcasing an emotional journey of a young girl torn between her passion for music and loyalty to her deaf parents.
Nomadland (2021) – 3 Awards
Chloé Zhao’s poignant drama about a woman navigating life as a modern nomad earned Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Frances McDormand).
Parasite (2020) – 4 Awards
Bong Joon-ho’s social thriller became the first non-English film to win Best Picture, alongside Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
Green Book (2019) – 3 Awards
The biographical comedy-drama won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), and Best Original Screenplay.
The Shape of Water (2018) – 4 Awards
Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy romance secured Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score.
Moonlight (2017) – 3 Awards
The thought-provoking drama exploring sexual identity and hardship won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Spotlight (2016) – 2 Awards
The investigative journalism drama about uncovering a major church scandal won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
Birdman (2015) – 4 Awards
The unique single-take-styled film won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
12 Years a Slave (2014) – 3 Awards
This historical drama won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Argo (2013) – 3 Awards
The thriller, starring Ben Affleck, took home Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
The Artist (2012) – 5 Awards
A tribute to Hollywood’s silent era, the film won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
The King’s Speech (2011) – 4 Awards
The historical drama won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay.
The Hurt Locker (2010) – 6 Awards
The intense war drama won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.
Slumdog Millionaire (2009) – 8 Awards
Danny Boyle’s film, set in India, swept Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Sound Mixing.
No Country for Old Men (2008) – 4 Awards
The neo-Western thriller won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Departed (2007) – 4 Awards
Martin Scorsese’s gripping crime thriller won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Crash (2006) – 3 Awards
The socially charged film about racial tensions won Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Million Dollar Baby (2005) – 4 Awards
The emotional boxing drama won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman).
Anora’s Impact on Independent Filmmaking
With Anora’s Oscar success, director Sean Baker cements his reputation as a master of raw, character-driven storytelling. The film’s triumph at the 97th Academy Awards marks a significant moment for indie films, proving that powerful narratives can captivate audiences and earn mainstream recognition.
As Hollywood celebrates another remarkable year at the Oscars 2025, Anora stands as a testament to the evolution of cinema, setting a new benchmark for storytelling, direction, and performances in the industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest Oscar-winning movies, trending films, and exclusive Hollywood insights.
