Best picture winner ‘Anora’ is an indie film — what does that mean?

“Long live independent film!” That’s how Anora director Sean Baker ended his speech on Sunday night after accepting the award for best picture.

The screwball dramedy’s indie credentials were emphasized across multiple speeches, including one from Alex Coco, one of the film’s producers.

“We made this movie for $6 million,” he said. “Shooting on location in New York City with about 40 crew members.”

Baker added, “This film was made on the blood, sweat and tears of incredible indie artists.”

Independent films refer to movies made outside of the traditional studio system. Anora, for example, was produced by Neon. The production and distribution company — formed in 2017 — was behind Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 film Parasite, which took home the best picture prize in 2020.

A24 is another indie studio that has found institutional success at the Academy Awards, with major wins for films like Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once.

With a budget of just $6 million, the scale of Anora‘s production paled in comparison to Hollywood blockbusters like Wicked. That film, a fellow best picture nominee, was produced by Universal Pictures on a reported budget of $150 million. And Dune: Part Two, also nominated in the category, had a similarly enormous budget — a reported $190 million.

In addition to its best picture victory, Anora had wins across several major Oscars categories including best original screenplay, best editing, and best director. And its star, Mikey Madison, was awarded best actress.

Producer Alex Coco took the film’s success on Sunday night as an opportunity to encourage aspiring filmmakers interested in working outside of Hollywood’s major studios.

“If you’re trying to make independent films, keep doing it,” he said. “We need more. This is proof.”

 

Judge demands to know if White House is helping return wrongly deported Maryland man

The hearing is the first about Abrego Garcia's case since El Salvador's president told reporters he is not going to "smuggle a terrorist into the United States."

Trump signs executive action to lower drug prices

The action is intended to build upon the existing program for Medicare drug price negotiations, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act that passed during the Biden administration.

New Israeli ceasefire offer demands Hamas discuss disarming, but group rejects it

Hamas is rejecting a new Israeli proposal to pause the war in Gaza, a Hamas official told NPR. Earlier, officials mediating talks had expressed optimism that a deal could be reached within weeks.

Higher ed war heats up as Trump threatens Harvard’s tax-exempt status

The president's comments came after the administration froze $2 billion in federal grants for Harvard after the university rejected what it saw as illegal government demands.

When an earthquake struck San Diego, these elephants formed an ‘alert circle’

When a 5.2 earthquake hit near San Diego yesterday, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park caught its elephants on video taking action to protect their young, forming what experts call an "alert circle."

A colossal squid is filmed in its natural habitat for the first time

Colossal squid are known to be elusive and likely avoid the bright and loud research equipment used underwater.

More Front Page Coverage