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01 / THE CONTEXT
First, the context.
The Academy has made its choice. Your sofa is an independent jurisdiction.
Anora won Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars, while The Brutalist took home three awards. Both 2024 films explore lives shaped by wealth, through very different stories. This is a look back at two nominees, not a prediction or a vote across the full field. Story premises follow; no ending spoilers.
Open the sources02 / THE POINTS OF VIEW
The fairy tale has a family problem.
WHAT THE SOURCES SAY
- Sean Baker’s film follows a sex worker whose marriage draws opposition from her husband’s wealthy family.
- It won Oscars for picture, directing, actress, editing and original screenplay.
OUR READING · INTERPRETATION
The appeal is the collision: a personal relationship runs straight into the machinery of money and status. Romance meets the family balance sheet. The balance sheet would like a word.
Big buildings. Complicated benefactors.
WHAT THE SOURCES SAY
- Brady Corbet’s film follows an immigrant architect and his relationship with a wealthy patron in Pennsylvania.
- It won Oscars for actor, cinematography and original score.
OUR READING · INTERPRETATION
The draw is the scale, and the uncomfortable business of making art while someone else holds the purse strings. A patron can open doors. The interesting question is what they expect to walk through them.
Award results record the Academy’s choices. They do not establish an objective ranking of artistic quality. “Another contender” and “Undecided” are welcome answers, including if you have not seen both films.
03 / THE RECEIPTS
Don’t take our word for it.
Follow the original context. Some publishers may require a subscription or account.
- 01Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesThe official 2025 Oscar results
The ceremony’s official nominations and winners, honoring films released in 2024.
March 2, 2025 - 02Festival de Cannes · Official film entryAnora: film and story details
Director, production year and official premise.
2024 film - 03A24 · Official distributorThe Brutalist: film and story details
Director, cast and official premise.
2024 film
HAWKE’S EYE · OPINION
An Oscar is a very elegant opinion with a base. Respect the achievement. Keep your own taste. The Academy is not coming round to explain why your friend hated the film you sold as “absolutely their thing.”— Anton Hawke, editorial pen name
THE TIMELINE
Both films are released and enter the awards conversation.
Anora wins Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards.
VoteMe opens a look-back audience preference vote.
Edition note · Published September 10, 2026. Updated September 10, 2026: expanded original commentary and added published photography with credits. The factual record and voting question are unchanged.