“We made this with very little money, but all of our hearts,” Samantha Quan, producer of best picture winner Anora, said with power and pride. This is the definition of an independent film.
Millions of people flocked to their televisions and social media feeds to catch cinema’s biggest night. The 95th annual Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, held controversy in a way we have not seen before.
The use of A.I. throughout the nominees for the most sought-after accolade has been seen as inhuman and over-capitalized. Dávid Jancsó, editor of one such nominee, The Brutalist, admitted to using a type of generative A.I. to enhance Adrien Brody, who won the Oscar for Best Actor, and Felicity Jones’ performances, namely their Hungarian accents. Another nominee that used A.I. to improve upon the actors’ vocals is the French musical, Emilia Perez.
Film fans fired back, accusing the Academy of choosing technological advancements or authentic talent. In the end, however, Emilia Perez went home with only two wins, and The Brutalist took three awards, including one of the main awards of Best Actor.
Independent film, Anora, wound up sweeping with five awards. A film about taking chances in unimaginable ways and the journey to and from figurative paradise did just that and walked away with the awards for best actress, best picture, and best director.
Mikey Madison, star of Anora, first time nominee and winner of best actress, reminisced on growing up in Los Angeles, but still feeling so far away from the world of Hollywood. “I also just wanted to thank and honor the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally,” she said fortifying her shakiness and smiling through her awe.
“Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater … We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, perhaps, sit in devastated silence together, and in a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever.” In his acceptance speech for best director, Anora’s director, Sean Baker passionately implored film makers to continue making film for the big screen in spite of the immense loss and closings of theaters everywhere.
With independent film having its night and the omnipresent passion for cinema that filled that auditorium, the theme of this year’s Oscars is taking a gamble and seeing where it could land you.
