On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted the 97th Academy Awards, where Anora, written and directed by Sean Baker, claimed the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, outshining strong contenders like The Brutalist, A Real Pain, September 5, and The Substance. The film centers on Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker played by Mikey Madison, who impulsively marries Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn, delivering a unique blend of comedy, drama, and social critique that captivated the Academy. Prior to this triumph, Anora had already made waves, securing the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, along with wins at the Writers Guild Awards (WGA) and Critics Choice Awards. In Brazil, it debuted in limited release and left a strong impression at the Festival do Rio, where audiences praised the screenplay’s authenticity and the dynamic between its characters. Produced on a modest budget of just 6 million dollars, this indie gem earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, cementing its status as a standout of the season.
The win in the Best Original Screenplay category underscores Baker’s knack for crafting narratives that capture raw human experiences with natural dialogue and unexpected twists. His script, honed over nearly two decades, brought a fresh perspective to an awards ceremony often dominated by big-budget studios.
Another spotlight of the night was Baker’s multifaceted role in the project. Beyond penning the winning screenplay, he directed, edited, and produced Anora, earning four personal Oscar nominations—a rare feat that places him alongside filmmaking legends.
A victory with roots in prior success
The triumph of Anora wasn’t entirely unexpected for those tracking its journey. Since its Cannes premiere, the film had been stacking up accolades and critical acclaim, with victories at the WGA and Critics Choice signaling its strength in the screenplay race.
Despite facing tough competition from scripts like The Brutalist and A Real Pain, Anora stood firm, thanks to Sean Baker’s ability to weave humor and depth into a story that’s both accessible and thought-provoking.
The heart of Anora’s screenplay
Anora kicks off with Ani, a Brooklyn stripper, meeting Vanya, an eccentric Russian heir. After a whirlwind marriage in Las Vegas, Vanya’s powerful parents dispatch enforcers to New York to undo the union, sparking a chain of chaotic, tense, and tender moments. Sean Baker’s screenplay shines by turning this premise into a layered narrative, filled with dialogue that feels like real conversation and characters who grow naturally as the story unfolds.
Unlike The Substance, which leaned into satirical horror, or September 5, rooted in historical journalism, Anora thrives on a modern tale that explores human connections through the lens of class and power. Its rejection of romantic clichés and easy resolutions struck a chord with Academy voters.
The script also taps into timely themes, such as social inequality and cultural clashes in a globalized world. Ani’s interactions with the Russian operatives reveal tensions that extend beyond the plot, resonating with broader societal discussions.
Sean Baker’s signature style in the spotlight
Sean Baker has cemented his place as a titan of indie cinema with Anora. Known for films like Tangerine, shot on iPhones, and The Florida Project, which depicted motel dwellers in Florida, he consistently spotlights marginalized lives. With Anora, he stays true to this ethos but scales up, delivering a production that retains his personal touch while reaching a wider audience.
Writing the screenplay took nearly 20 years, with Baker refining it to mirror today’s world without losing its core authenticity. The result is a script brimming with nuance, like the poignant car scene where Ani and a character played by Yura Borisov share a quiet, vulnerable moment that speaks volumes.
His small, tight-knit team played a key role. Matthew Hearon-Smith’s score, for instance, matches the screenplay’s rhythm, amplifying emotions without overshadowing the story, highlighting Baker’s cohesive vision.
A tight race in the original screenplay category
The Best Original Screenplay category at the 2025 Oscars was fiercely contested. The Brutalist, penned by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold, offered a sprawling tale of a Hungarian architect in America, while A Real Pain, by Jesse Eisenberg, explored family ties on a trip to Poland. September 5, written by Moritz Binder, Alex David, and Tim Fehlbaum, delved into the drama of a newsroom, and The Substance, by Coralie Fargeat, delivered a bold satire on beauty and aging.
Against such diverse rivals, Anora rose above with its universal appeal and personal flair. In Brazil, limited screenings and festival showings drew praise for its lively dialogue and the chemistry between Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn.
Behind the crafting of Anora
Producing Anora on a 6-million-dollar budget was a challenge Sean Baker met with ingenuity. The screenplay, developed over nearly two decades, drew from real-life stories of New York sex workers, showcasing his meticulous research. Every line was crafted to reflect the characters’ essence, from Ani’s sharp wit to Vanya’s fragile bravado.
Opting for lesser-known actors like Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn, both Oscar-nominated for their roles, kept the focus on the script. Baker’s lean production, with him juggling multiple hats, ensured the screenplay remained the film’s beating heart, free from big-studio meddling.
In Brazil, Anora landed in October 2024 at the Festival do Rio, where viewers lauded the script’s natural flow and its ability to balance levity and gravity in a story that feels grounded in reality.
Milestones on Anora’s road to glory
Anora’s climb to the Oscar stage was paved with significant moments:
- May 2024: Won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, its first major accolade.
- October 2024: US release and Festival do Rio screening, broadening its reach.
- January 2025: Secured six Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay.
- February 2025: Took home WGA and Critics Choice awards, bolstering its momentum.
- March 2, 2025: Clinched Best Original Screenplay at the Dolby Theatre.
These steps trace how the film evolved from an indie contender to a season heavyweight.
Details that shaped Anora’s winning script
Anora’s screenplay stands out with elements that made it unforgettable:
- Took nearly 20 years to write, adapting to reflect current themes.
- Rooted in real stories of New York sex workers, lending it authenticity.
- Features dialogue that captures Brooklyn’s vibe and Russian tension.
- Ends openly, dodging romantic tropes for raw, human vulnerability.
- Earned the nickname “Brooklyn Queen” from Brazilian fans post-festival.
These facets highlight how Baker’s script connected across cultures.
Anora’s influence on modern cinema
Anora’s Best Original Screenplay win shines a light on indie filmmaking. With a tight budget and small crew, it took on Hollywood giants and prevailed, proving creativity can trump financial hurdles. Sean Baker’s four personal nominations mark him as one of the Oscars’ most versatile talents that night.
In Brazil, festival screenings like the Festival do Rio in October 2024 showed the story’s cross-cultural pull. Ani’s blend of strength and fragility sparked talks about complex female characters in film, resonating with local audiences.

On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted the 97th Academy Awards, where Anora, written and directed by Sean Baker, claimed the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, outshining strong contenders like The Brutalist, A Real Pain, September 5, and The Substance. The film centers on Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker played by Mikey Madison, who impulsively marries Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn, delivering a unique blend of comedy, drama, and social critique that captivated the Academy. Prior to this triumph, Anora had already made waves, securing the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, along with wins at the Writers Guild Awards (WGA) and Critics Choice Awards. In Brazil, it debuted in limited release and left a strong impression at the Festival do Rio, where audiences praised the screenplay’s authenticity and the dynamic between its characters. Produced on a modest budget of just 6 million dollars, this indie gem earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, cementing its status as a standout of the season.
The win in the Best Original Screenplay category underscores Baker’s knack for crafting narratives that capture raw human experiences with natural dialogue and unexpected twists. His script, honed over nearly two decades, brought a fresh perspective to an awards ceremony often dominated by big-budget studios.
Another spotlight of the night was Baker’s multifaceted role in the project. Beyond penning the winning screenplay, he directed, edited, and produced Anora, earning four personal Oscar nominations—a rare feat that places him alongside filmmaking legends.
A victory with roots in prior success
The triumph of Anora wasn’t entirely unexpected for those tracking its journey. Since its Cannes premiere, the film had been stacking up accolades and critical acclaim, with victories at the WGA and Critics Choice signaling its strength in the screenplay race.
Despite facing tough competition from scripts like The Brutalist and A Real Pain, Anora stood firm, thanks to Sean Baker’s ability to weave humor and depth into a story that’s both accessible and thought-provoking.
The heart of Anora’s screenplay
Anora kicks off with Ani, a Brooklyn stripper, meeting Vanya, an eccentric Russian heir. After a whirlwind marriage in Las Vegas, Vanya’s powerful parents dispatch enforcers to New York to undo the union, sparking a chain of chaotic, tense, and tender moments. Sean Baker’s screenplay shines by turning this premise into a layered narrative, filled with dialogue that feels like real conversation and characters who grow naturally as the story unfolds.
Unlike The Substance, which leaned into satirical horror, or September 5, rooted in historical journalism, Anora thrives on a modern tale that explores human connections through the lens of class and power. Its rejection of romantic clichés and easy resolutions struck a chord with Academy voters.
The script also taps into timely themes, such as social inequality and cultural clashes in a globalized world. Ani’s interactions with the Russian operatives reveal tensions that extend beyond the plot, resonating with broader societal discussions.
Sean Baker’s signature style in the spotlight
Sean Baker has cemented his place as a titan of indie cinema with Anora. Known for films like Tangerine, shot on iPhones, and The Florida Project, which depicted motel dwellers in Florida, he consistently spotlights marginalized lives. With Anora, he stays true to this ethos but scales up, delivering a production that retains his personal touch while reaching a wider audience.
Writing the screenplay took nearly 20 years, with Baker refining it to mirror today’s world without losing its core authenticity. The result is a script brimming with nuance, like the poignant car scene where Ani and a character played by Yura Borisov share a quiet, vulnerable moment that speaks volumes.
His small, tight-knit team played a key role. Matthew Hearon-Smith’s score, for instance, matches the screenplay’s rhythm, amplifying emotions without overshadowing the story, highlighting Baker’s cohesive vision.
A tight race in the original screenplay category
The Best Original Screenplay category at the 2025 Oscars was fiercely contested. The Brutalist, penned by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold, offered a sprawling tale of a Hungarian architect in America, while A Real Pain, by Jesse Eisenberg, explored family ties on a trip to Poland. September 5, written by Moritz Binder, Alex David, and Tim Fehlbaum, delved into the drama of a newsroom, and The Substance, by Coralie Fargeat, delivered a bold satire on beauty and aging.
Against such diverse rivals, Anora rose above with its universal appeal and personal flair. In Brazil, limited screenings and festival showings drew praise for its lively dialogue and the chemistry between Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn.
Behind the crafting of Anora
Producing Anora on a 6-million-dollar budget was a challenge Sean Baker met with ingenuity. The screenplay, developed over nearly two decades, drew from real-life stories of New York sex workers, showcasing his meticulous research. Every line was crafted to reflect the characters’ essence, from Ani’s sharp wit to Vanya’s fragile bravado.
Opting for lesser-known actors like Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn, both Oscar-nominated for their roles, kept the focus on the script. Baker’s lean production, with him juggling multiple hats, ensured the screenplay remained the film’s beating heart, free from big-studio meddling.
In Brazil, Anora landed in October 2024 at the Festival do Rio, where viewers lauded the script’s natural flow and its ability to balance levity and gravity in a story that feels grounded in reality.
Milestones on Anora’s road to glory
Anora’s climb to the Oscar stage was paved with significant moments:
- May 2024: Won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, its first major accolade.
- October 2024: US release and Festival do Rio screening, broadening its reach.
- January 2025: Secured six Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay.
- February 2025: Took home WGA and Critics Choice awards, bolstering its momentum.
- March 2, 2025: Clinched Best Original Screenplay at the Dolby Theatre.
These steps trace how the film evolved from an indie contender to a season heavyweight.
Details that shaped Anora’s winning script
Anora’s screenplay stands out with elements that made it unforgettable:
- Took nearly 20 years to write, adapting to reflect current themes.
- Rooted in real stories of New York sex workers, lending it authenticity.
- Features dialogue that captures Brooklyn’s vibe and Russian tension.
- Ends openly, dodging romantic tropes for raw, human vulnerability.
- Earned the nickname “Brooklyn Queen” from Brazilian fans post-festival.
These facets highlight how Baker’s script connected across cultures.
Anora’s influence on modern cinema
Anora’s Best Original Screenplay win shines a light on indie filmmaking. With a tight budget and small crew, it took on Hollywood giants and prevailed, proving creativity can trump financial hurdles. Sean Baker’s four personal nominations mark him as one of the Oscars’ most versatile talents that night.
In Brazil, festival screenings like the Festival do Rio in October 2024 showed the story’s cross-cultural pull. Ani’s blend of strength and fragility sparked talks about complex female characters in film, resonating with local audiences.
