Which film won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony held on March 2, 2025?

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 2, 2025, saw "Anora" take home the coveted Best Picture Oscar. This independent film, directed by Sean Baker, emerged as a significant winner of the night, also securing awards for Best Director, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Its success marked a notable moment for independent cinema at the prestigious awards.

"Anora" is described as a gritty, Brooklyn-set screwball farce that tells a unique Cinderella (Review) story without the traditional fairy tale ending. The film centers on a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, leading to a series of dramatic and comedic events. Sean Baker, known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking and his focus on marginalized communities, made history by becoming the first person to win four Oscars for a single film in one night, tying a record previously held by Walt Disney.

The film, produced on a modest budget of approximately $6 million, defied expectations to become the night's biggest triumph. Its victory underscored a shift in the Academy's preferences, with a growing recognition of diverse storytelling and independent productions. "Anora's" success not only celebrated its artistic merits but also championed the spirit of independent filmmaking.