In one of the most unexpected moments of the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, the independent drama Anora took home the Best Film award, beating out major contenders like Wicked, The Substance, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez. Despite not winning in any other category, Anora pulled off an upset victory, shaking up the awards season narrative and positioning itself as a strong Oscar contender.
Many had predicted a sweeping victory for bigger studio-backed films, but Anora defied expectations with its unexpected triumph. The film, which had remained somewhat under the radar, now finds itself in the spotlight, proving that its impact resonates beyond box office numbers and mainstream hype.
This win also suggests that Anora may have a stronger presence at the Academy Awards than initially anticipated. With the Oscars race heating up, this victory could boost its chances for a win, much like previous underdog successes in awards history.
Sean Baker’s 2024 indie rom-com secured six nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Baker), Best Actress (Mickey Madison), and Best Supporting Actor (Yura Borisov). The film, which tells a gritty yet heartfelt story of resilience, marks Baker’s breakthrough at the Oscars, proving that independent cinema continues to thrive on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
Anora follows Ani (Mickey Madison), a stripper who unexpectedly marries a wealthy young Russian client. Her world is turned upside down when his powerful oligarch family attempts to remove her from his life, but instead of backing down, Ani fights for her place, refusing to be silenced. The film’s exploration of power, identity, and determination has resonated with critics and audiences alike, turning it into a dark horse in the Oscar race.
With this game-changing Critics Choice win, Anora now stands as a serious challenger to this year’s biggest films. Will the Academy follow suit and recognise it as Best Picture material, or will another film reclaim dominance in the Oscar race?
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