"Anora," the story of a sex worker who gets a chance at a new life when she marries a wealthy client on a whim, won five Academy Awards on Sunday, including the coveted best picture Oscar.
The movie's 25-year-old star, Mikey Madison, was named best actress. The film also won best director for Sean Baker and trophies for original screenplay and editing.
Madison scored an upset over Demi Moore, who had been favored to win best actress for her role in "The Substance."
"I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me," Madison said on stage. "To be here standing in this room today is really incredible."
She said she wanted to "thank and honor the sex worker community." She said, "I will continue to be an ally."
"Anora" emerged as the winner in an unpredictable Oscars race that included papal thriller "Conclave," Jewish immigrant story "The Brutalist" and blockbuster musical "Wicked."
Adrien Brody claimed his second Academy Award, winning the best actor trophy for his role as a Jewish immigrant and architect who chases the American dream in "The Brutalist."
