'Anora' Emerges as Oscar Frontrunner After Key Guild Wins

Sean Baker's indie drama secures major victories at the PGA, DGA, and Critics Choice Awards, bolstering its chances for Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards.

Sean Baker's 'Anora' won Best Picture at the Producers Guild of America Awards and Best Director at the Directors Guild of America Awards, solidifying its position as a leading contender for the Oscars.
The film also earned Best Picture honors at the Critics Choice Awards, completing a significant awards season trifecta over the weekend.
'Anora,' a $6 million indie drama, stars Mikey Madison and tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker's complex relationship with the son of a Russian oligarch.
The film's success follows its Cannes Palme d'Or win and strong critical reception upon its release, despite earlier concerns it might be overshadowed by competitors like 'The Brutalist' and 'Emilia Pérez.'
While the PGA and DGA wins are strong predictors of Oscar success, history shows occasional upsets, leaving some uncertainty about whether 'Anora' will claim the top prize next month.