The Oscars Upset: A Look at "Anora’s" Unexpected Triumph
The 96th Academy Awards concluded an awards season characterized by its unpredictable nature with a win that, while not entirely out of left field, certainly raised eyebrows. Sean Baker’s "Anora," a film exploring the unlikely marriage between a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, emerged as the night’s big winner, securing five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Baker, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
While "Anora’s" success wasn’t a complete surprise – its Palme d’Or victory at the Cannes Film Festival last year signaled its potential, and it continued to garner accolades from the Producers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild – the film’s victory was, in many ways, unexpected. The awards season was dominated by several compelling narratives and, at times, dramatic campaign strategies, making "Anora" an underdog in the race.
The film centers on Ani, portrayed by Mikey Madison, who delivers a compelling performance as a New York City sex worker who embarks on a whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage with Vanya, played by Mark Eydelshteyn, the reckless and pampered offspring of a wealthy Russian family. The story is a unique blend of screwball comedy and poignant moments of realization, culminating in a final scene that has sparked considerable debate and interpretation.
The author expresses a somewhat lukewarm reaction to "Anora’s" sweep, describing it as "nice" but ultimately "underwhelming." The primary point of contention lies in the film’s wins for writing and editing, which the author identifies as potential weaknesses, especially considering the presence of other contenders like "A Real Pain," "The Brutalist," and "Conclave."
Despite this reservation, the author acknowledges Madison’s remarkable performance. Her portrayal of Ani captures the character’s hard exterior, complete with a pronounced Brooklyn accent, while also revealing a underlying vulnerability that enriches the film’s emotional core.
The author reveals a personal shock that Madison triumphed over Demi Moore, who delivered a powerful performance in "The Substance." Moore was perceived as an "overdue actress" whose narrative was built around her performance in a film mirroring the industry’s treatment of women.
This awards season served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of awards campaigns and the potential for controversy to derail a film’s momentum. The narco-musical "Emilia Pérez," initially a front-runner with 13 Oscar nominations, experienced a significant setback when racist tweets made by one of its stars, Karla Sofía Gascón, resurfaced.
Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress, faced scrutiny for her past bigoted comments targeting various groups, including George Floyd and Muslims. The ensuing controversy cast a shadow over "Emilia Pérez," ultimately contributing to its reduced win tally of only two awards: Best Original Song and Best Supporting Actress.
"Emilia Pérez" wasn’t the only film affected by controversy. "The Brutalist," starring Adrien Brody, faced its own challenges when its editor revealed the use of artificial intelligence to refine Brody’s Hungarian accent. This revelation sparked ethical questions about the authenticity of Brody’s performance, although he went on to win the Oscar for best actor and delivered a lengthy acceptance speech. Despite the controversy, "The Brutalist" secured three wins out of ten nominations.
The author highlights the intense competition and financial investments involved in Oscar campaigns. Studios often spend millions of dollars on private screenings and gifts to sway Academy voters, emphasizing the importance of visibility and sustained attention. In this environment, films lacking the resources or willingness to engage in such aggressive campaigning can struggle to gain traction.
The controversies surrounding the early front-runners created an opportunity for "Anora" to break through the noise and capture the attention of voters. Its earlier victories at the Critics Choice Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards signaled a shift in momentum.
NEON, the studio behind "Anora," strategically positioned the film for success, ensuring its visibility among voters. In recognizing "Anora," a film that humanizes a sex worker, the Academy can present itself as progressive while avoiding more contentious issues. However, the long-term significance of this win remains to be seen, and the author finds the outcome, like the film’s ambiguous ending, somewhat unsatisfactory.
