Sean Baker has won best director at the Oscars for “Anora,” the story of a Brooklyn exotic dancer who marries the impetuous son of a Russian oligarch

Anora,” a strip club Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, handing Sean Baker’s gritty, Brooklyn-set

Anora,” a strip club Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, handing Sean Baker’s gritty, Brooklyn-set screwball farce Hollywood’s top prize.

Anora,” a strip club Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday.

The 97th Academy Awards spread the love around, dishing out awards to “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Wicked” and “The Substance,” in an Oscar ceremony that

Anora dominated the 2025 Oscars, winning five out of six nominations. The film follows a young Brooklyn woman who unexpectedly marries a Russian oligarch’s son, setting the stage for a modern Cinderella story.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 97th Academy Awards spread the love around, dishing out awards to “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Wicked” and “The Substance,” in an Oscar ceremony that steered toward a nailbiter ending.

“ Anora ,” a story about dizzying highs and despairing lows, has won the Oscar for best original screenplay. The film follows a Brooklyn sex worker whose life changes after meeting the son of a Russian oligarch. It’s a big win for writer-director Sean Baker, who hails from New Jersey.

Watch scenes from the films nominated for best picture at the 97th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees. The 2025 Oscars will be presented on Sunday, March 2.

Sean Baker, the director of “Anora,” has been named Best Director at the 2025 Oscars. “Anora” was nominated for six awards, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Picture, in addition to directing.