It was a big night for independent filmmaking and a film with Russian themes at the Oscars on Sunday as “Anora” took home five Academy Awards, including best screenplay, best editing, best director, best actress, and best picture. The low-budget indie film follows the failing marriage of a sex worker and an oligarch’s son in Brooklyn, and it features several prominent Russian actors. It has been celebrated in Moscow, to the chagrin of one filmmaker.
“You know, Anora’s having a great night,” said comedian Conan O’Brien, who hosted the Oscars. “I guess Americans are glad to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” he quipped.
O’Brien’s performance was otherwise apolitical, as were many of the acceptance speeches, with some notable exceptions. Adrian Brody, who won best actor for “The Brutalist,” urged the audience to learn from history and “not let hate go unchecked.” Actress Daryl Hannah exclaimed, “Slava Ukraine,” before issuing the award for best editing. Yuval Abraham, who won best documentary feature for “No Other Land” about the destruction of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, blamed the United States for stymying a path to peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.
There were some historic moments, too. Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win for costume design, and Zoë Saldaña became the first woman of Dominican descent – and the third Latina – to win best supporting actress. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands,” Saldaña said in her speech.
