The 97th Academy Awards showcased pivotal changes within the Hollywood film industry, reflecting the challenges and triumphs faced by filmmakers today. This year’s Oscars highlighted the remarkable achievements of Sean Baker’s film, ANORA, which claimed five prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress. Notably, Baker became the first-ever recipient of four significant Oscars—Screenplay, Director, Editing, and Production.
This rare milestone parallels Walt Disney’s groundbreaking achievement back in 1954, when he won four Oscars. Baker’s win came after ANORA, created on a modest budget of only six million dollars (approximately 900 million yen), secured the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last May. This development marked ANORA as the fourth film to simultaneously receive both the Palme d’Or and the Academy Award for Best Picture, joining distinguished company alongside Parasite (2019) and Marty (1955).
Other films also recognized at this year’s ceremony included titles like Emilia Perez, Substance, and Flow, which collectively amassed 31 nominations and secured nine awards. These accolades signify the growing support for independent films, particularly as major studios increasingly funnel resources toward high-budget franchises.
This year’s Oscar ceremony illustrated the Academy’s shift toward inclusivity and diversity. Zoe Saldana, winning the Supporting Actress award for her role as the first Dominican actress, and Paul Tazewell, who made history as the first Black male to receive the Costume Design award, are testaments to this evolution. The average age of the five nominees for Best Actress also reveals positive trends, indicating younger and more diverse roles are becoming more prevalent.
Notably, the Academy voting body now includes approximately 20 to 30 percent voters from outside the United States, which has significantly impacted award selections. The introduction of the ‘Diversity and Inclusion Guidelines (RAISE)’ announced back in 2020 mandates attention to diverse themes and casting selections starting with the upcoming 96th Academy Awards.
Since 2016, the Academy has seen the appointment of members with increasingly diverse backgrounds. Films like Parasite (2020) and Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) struck chords with young audiences, reflecting their interest irrespective of preconceptions about genres.
Financially, ANORA has achieved domestic box office earnings of $19.27 million as of March 13, 2025, and worldwide receipts of $47.68 million, though these figures are relatively low compared to other Best Picture winners. Nonetheless, the fact it has grossed such amounts from its modest budget showcases the shifting interests among audiences. To support its Oscar bid, North American distributor NEON reportedly spent around $18 million on marketing campaigns, raising questions about the proportionality of advertising expenses compared to returns.
Overall viewership for streaming and television platforms at this year’s Academy Awards increased, with 19.69 million viewers tuning in live, representing an uptick of approximately 200,000 from the previous year. Notably, there was also around a 20 percent increase of viewers aged 18-49 and 28 percent among those 18-34. Conan O’Brien’s skilled hosting was largely well-received; he managed to direct the ceremony without becoming overly political, maintaining “a delicate balance” and letting the selected films speak for themselves.
The power of film to convey important messages was especially poignant during the awards, particularly during the acceptance speech for Best Documentary Feature for No Other Land. The directors, one Israeli and the other Palestinian, joined forces to implore for peace, which deeply moved viewers. Similarly, the International Feature Film award, going to I’m Still Here, poignantly portrays the tragedy under Brazil’s military rule, highlighting the interplay of real-world issues with entertainment.
Leading up to the Academy Awards, the excessive award campaigning has raised concerns about ethical practices. The phenomenon of ‘category fraud,’ where prominent actors are nominated under supporting awards, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the system. The digital age has also seen ramifications, evidenced by scandals surrounding past social media posts from actress Karla Sofia Gascon and discussions surrounding AI use within Bllue Rhapsody.
The film industry’s promotional infrastructure now averages between $10 to $50 million spent on campaigns during award seasons, driven by studios’ past practices of re-releasing films to boost box office revenue. These media-driven marketing strategies must adapt, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped traditional revenue models, resulting now more than ever, filmmakers must grapple with issues of unstable incomes intertwined with producing quality content.
Through Baker’s passionate acceptance speeches and advocacy for independent cinema, the event reflected both hope and the harsh reality for filmmakers today. His declaration to keep creating films screened exclusively at theaters strikes at the heart of why so many audiences are drawn to the cinema experience. The struggles he illuminated highlight the obstacles independent filmmakers face, yet the success of ANORA stands as proof of creativity’s resilience amid industry turmoil.
Sean Baker’s declaration at the Independent Spirit Awards emphasized the need for inclusive and creative storytelling moving forward. The portrayal of Annie, the lead character, demanding fair wages and health benefits serves as more than just fiction; it holds up a mirror to the entire industry, reflecting the collective fight for rights and recognition among all workers. This year's Academy Awards demonstrated the continuing tension between tradition vs. innovation and raises pertinent questions about the future of Hollywood. Yet, the hope found within Baker’s narrative might just serve as the light guiding the way forward for independent filmmakers everywhere.
