Sean Baker's Anora Wins Big at Oscars

Mikey Madison, a 25-year-old breakout star, took home the best actress Oscar for her role in "Anora," which won five Oscars, including best picture and directing honors for Sean Baker, at the 97th annual ceremony.

Madison's victory was a surprise, as she had lost to Demi Moore at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. However, her performance in "Anora" earned her critical acclaim, and she thanked the sex worker community and vowed to continue supporting and being an ally in her acceptance speech. The film, which debuted at Cannes last year, has gained momentum since, out-earning its $6 million budget and proving to be a dark horse in the Oscar race.

The film's win is seen as part of a trend of more diverse and unconventional films winning Oscars, including "Moonlight," "Parasite," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Sean Baker's unique style and tone, which blends humor and drama, was a key factor in the film's success. The Academy's expanded membership has led to a shift in the types of films that win, with more international and bold films being recognized.

"Anora" received six Oscar nominations and was initially seen as a long shot for Best Picture. However, its Palme d'Or win at Cannes and subsequent critical acclaim helped boost its chances. The film's likability and positive information environment helped it stay on top of the Best Picture leaderboard despite setbacks, such as blanking at the Globes.

The win is a testament to the Academy's evolving tastes and its willingness to recognize more diverse and bold films. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Academy's membership and voting patterns continue to shape the types of films that are recognized and rewarded.