The Tiny Film That Dominated the Oscars
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Indie Film 'Anora' Dominates Oscars With Five Wins
Above: Mikey Madison and Sean Baker at the 97th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Image copyright: Rich Polk/Contributor/Penske Media via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The triumph of "Anora" signals a transformative shift in Academy voting patterns, with younger and international members embracing non-traditional Oscar fare, following recent winners like "Parasite" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once." The film's success highlights the growing appetite for authentic, boundary-pushing independent cinema that tackles contemporary social issues.
Narrative B
The Academy's embrace of "Anora" over major studio blockbusters and more traditionally Oscar-friendly fare like "Conclave" and "The Brutalist" represents a concerning departure from celebrating classical filmmaking craftsmanship. The focus on smaller, more experimental films risks alienating mainstream audiences and undermining the Oscars' cultural significance.