'Anora' Emerges As Oscar Frontrunner After Guild Wins

Sean Baker, left, and Mikey Madison, winners of the award for best picture for "Anora," pose in the press room during the 30th Critics Choice Awards on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the Barker Hangar in Sa

Sean Baker's Brooklyn comedy “Anora” emerged as a frontrunner in the Oscar race after securing top honors at both the Producers Guild Awards and the Directors Guild Awards on Saturday night. This significant achievement has propelled the film to favorite status for the upcoming Academy Awards, solidifying its position among a competitive field of best-picture contenders.

“Anora” had initially garnered attention as a potential frontrunner following its Palme d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival. However, the award season saw various films vying for the spotlight, including Golden Globe winners “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez.” Despite the stiff competition, “Anora” made a triumphant comeback by clinching the best picture award at the Critics Choice Awards on Friday.

The Producers Guild Awards, held in Beverly Hills, California, bestowed “Anora” with the prestigious Darryl F. Zanuck Award, a recognition that has historically aligned with the Oscar winner for best picture in the majority of recent years. Similarly, the Directors Guild Awards have proven to be a reliable indicator of Oscar success, with a significant number of past winners going on to triumph at the Academy Awards.

Palme d’Or winner Anora solidifies position among best-picture contenders.

Anora leads Oscar race after winning at Producers Guild and Directors Guild Awards.

Anora triumphs at Critics Choice Awards, making a strong comeback.

Sean Baker, the director of “Anora,” is now considered the favorite for best director at the Oscars, particularly as he competes against a field of entirely first-time nominees. The guild also honored RaMell Ross' “Nickel Boys” as the best first film, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony.

As Oscar voting commences, Jacques Audiard's “Emilia Pérez” leads the nominations with 13 nods. However, the film's prospects have been marred by controversy and backlash, potentially impacting its chances at the prestigious awards event.

Meanwhile, at the Annie Awards, DreamWorks Animation's “The Wild Robot” emerged as a standout, securing nine awards including best film. With this impressive feat, “The Wild Robot” is poised as the frontrunner for the best animated film category at the upcoming Academy Awards on March 2.