At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Anora took the top honor, winning Best Picture in a surprising turn of events. Writer-director Sean Baker accepted the prestigious award on February 7 in Los Angeles, expressing his shock at the win. The film, a micro-budget indie project, triumphed over other nominated films such as A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, Sing Sing, The Substance, and Wicked.
In his acceptance speech, Baker shared his surprise, stating, “When those who dedicate their lives to their love of film and film criticism… see something positive in your work, just a little, it means everything in the world. So thank you guys so much.” He went on to emphasize the film’s modest $6 million budget, revealing that it was made possible due to the hard work of his cast and crew, who pushed to make the film a reality. “We made this little film for the big screen,” he added, advocating for movie theaters, which have been struggling, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let’s see films in our local theaters,” he concluded, calling attention to the importance of supporting cinema.
Anora’s Story and Nominations
Anora tells the story of a New York City sex worker, played by Mikey Madison, whose life changes dramatically after she meets Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the young son of a Russian billionaire family. However, her Cinderella-like story takes a tragic turn when Ivan’s parents discover their marriage. Along with its Best Picture win, Anora received seven nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, including Best Actress for Madison, Best Supporting Actor for Yura Borisov, and Best Acting Ensemble. Baker was also nominated for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Other Notable Nominees and Winners
The Critics Choice Awards also saw strong showings from other films. A Complete Unknown, which features Timothée Chalamet as a 1960s-era Bob Dylan, was nominated for Best Picture, with Chalamet also up for Best Actor. The film’s ensemble also includes Edward Norton as Pete Seeger. Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown follows Dylan’s rise and explores his relationships with figures like Joan Baez, played by Monica Barbaro, and his girlfriend, Sylvie Russo, portrayed by Elle Fanning.
The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody, was another contender, having won three Golden Globe awards, including Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Brody. This drama, set in post-World War II America, follows a Hungarian-born Jewish architect and his challenges after surviving the Holocaust.
Other top contenders included Conclave and Wicked, each earning 11 nominations, and Dune: Part Two and Emilia Pérez, both with 10 nominations. The adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel Conclave focuses on the election of a new pope in Vatican City, while Emilia Pérez follows a lawyer helping a Mexican cartel member transition into a new life.
Other Indie Films in the Mix
Several other indie films were highlighted at the Critics Choice Awards this year. Sing Sing, featuring Colman Domingo, explores the impact of an arts program at the notorious Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, Sing Sing stars several nonprofessional actors and formerly incarcerated individuals. The Substance, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, was also recognized with seven nominations, including for Best Actress for both leads.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indie Films and Movie Theaters
As the film industry continues to face challenges, including the loss of theaters post-COVID, Sean Baker’s win for Anora highlights the importance of the independent film community. It also sheds light on the ongoing battle for the survival of movie theaters, which Baker passionately supports. The 2025 Critics Choice Awards served as a reminder that despite challenges, films, both big and small, continue to make a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
In the coming years, with Wicked set to release its second part in 2026, the industry will look forward to how these films evolve and whether Anora’s success continues to inspire future indie filmmakers.
You Might Be Interested In:
