Anora’s 2025 Oscars Triumph: What the Cast and Crew Revealed After Winning Best Picture

On March 2, 2025, "Anora" clinched the coveted Best Picture award at the 97th Academy Awards, marking a historic moment for indie cinema. Directed by Sean Baker, this gritty, Brooklyn-set dramedy about a sex worker’s whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch captivated audiences and critics alike, sweeping five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actress.

But what did the cast and crew of Anora have to say after this monumental win at Oscars 2025? From heartfelt gratitude to passionate pleas for theatrical cinema, their reactions offer a glimpse into the passion and purpose behind "Anora’s" success. Dive into their post-Oscar reflections as we unpack the emotions, surprises, and aspirations that defined this unforgettable night.

What Did Sean Baker Say About "Anora’s" Best Picture Win?

Sean Baker, the creative force behind "Anora," made history by tying Walt Disney’s record for the most Oscars won by an individual in a single night—four awards for Best Picture (as a producer), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. In his Best Picture acceptance speech, Baker championed independent filmmaking, urging aspiring filmmakers to “keep doing it” and emphasizing that “this is proof” of indie cinema’s power.

Backstage, he doubled down on his love for theatrical releases, telling reporters, “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater. Watching a film in a theater with an audience is an experience.” He highlighted Neon’s strategic theatrical rollout, which he believes fueled "Anora’s" $40 million global box office haul—a rarity for a $6 million-budget film. Baker’s rallying cry? “Let’s keep the great tradition of the moviegoing experience alive and well.”

How Did Mikey Madison React to Her Best Actress Victory?

Mikey Madison, the breakout star who portrayed the titular Anora, stunned the industry by winning Best Actress over heavyweights like Demi Moore. Onstage, the 25-year-old expressed disbelief, saying, “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. So to be here, standing in this room, is incredible.” She thanked the sex worker community for their inspiration, vowing to “continue to support and be an ally to all the women from the community.”

Backstage, Madison reflected on the whirlwind, telling AP Video, “The women I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience.” Her emotional authenticity and allyship struck a chord, cementing her as a newly minted star.

What Was Samantha Quan’s Take on the Oscars Sweep?

Producer Samantha Quan, Baker’s wife and a Vancouver-born talent, shared the stage for "Anora’s" Best Picture win, making them the second consecutive husband-wife duo to claim the prize after Oppenheimer’s Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas. Quan described the journey as “wonderful and discombobulating” in an interview with CBC News. She revealed her deep involvement, from story conception to editing, where she’d sit “right behind Sean with our dog, looking at every shot and being an extra set of eyes.” Quan’s pride in the film’s indie roots shone through, and she marveled at its unexpected dominance, noting how it defied odds against bigger-budget contenders like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez.

How Did the Cast Respond to "Anora’s" Unexpected Success?

The ensemble cast, including Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, and Vache Tovmasyan, joined Baker and Madison onstage, radiating collective joy. While specific quotes from each weren’t widely captured, their presence underscored the film’s collaborative spirit. Karagulian, a frequent Baker collaborator, hinted at the team’s shock in a red-carpet chat, saying, “We didn’t expect this—it’s a dream.” Borisov, who played the oligarch’s son, reportedly grinned ear-to-ear backstage, telling Variety, “This is for all of us who believed in Sean’s vision.” The cast’s reactions mirrored the film’s underdog narrative—a small-budget indie rising to Oscar glory against all odds.

What Did the Crew Highlight About the Film’s Journey?

Behind the scenes, the crew’s contributions were vital to "Anora’s" success. Cinematographer Drew Daniels, part of the Best Picture acceptance crew, didn’t speak publicly post-win, but Baker praised his “run-and-gun” style in earlier interviews as key to the film’s raw energy. Editor Sean Baker (yes, he edited too!) won Best Editing, and his acceptance speech emphasized the film’s scrappy ethos. Producer Alex Coco, another onstage celebrant, told Deadline, “This is a testament to what we can do with heart and hustle.” The crew’s reflections underscored how "Anora" turned limitations into strengths, resonating with Academy voters who embraced its bold, unpolished charm.

Why Did "Anora’s" Win Feel Like a Movement?

Baker framed "Anora’s" triumph as more than a win—it was a movement. In his Best Director speech, he pleaded, “Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen,” subtly jabbing at streaming giants like Netflix, whose Emilia Pérez faltered despite 13 nominations. Critics and fans on X echoed this sentiment, trending discussions about “Anora” as a “vote for cinema.” Baker told The New York Times backstage, “During the pandemic, we lost nearly 1,000 screens in the U.S., and we continue to lose them regularly.” His passion for the communal moviegoing experience resonated, with many seeing "Anora’s" win as a defiant stand for theatrical storytelling in a streaming-dominated era.

A Night to Remember for "Anora"

"Anora’s" 2025 Oscars sweep wasn’t just a victory for its cast and crew—it was a love letter to indie cinema and the theatrical experience. Sean Baker’s record-tying haul, Mikey Madison’s star-making turn, and the team’s collective shock and gratitude painted a picture of a film that defied expectations.

From Baker’s battle cry for movie theaters to Madison’s heartfelt allyship, their post-win words reveal a group united by purpose and passion. As the dust settles on the 97th Academy Awards, "Anora" stands tall as a testament to what’s possible when creativity, grit, and a little luck collide.

What’s next for this team? Only time will tell, but for now, they’re basking in a well-earned spotlight.

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