Hollywood newcomer Mark Eydelshteyn compared the days before the ceremony to the ocean, and “you have to be a surfer.”

"Anora," director Sean Baker's Gen Z version of "Pretty Woman," earned six Oscar nominations and was in running for best picture.

"Anora" director Sean Baker says he's grateful for the recognition of the film. He says being at the Oscars allows him to meet his heroes — and maybe even ask for an autograph.

I thank the academy for recognising a truly independent film,” Baker said in his acceptance speech. The ceremony took place less than two months after catastrophic fires displaced nearly 13,000 households in Los Angeles and affecting many in the industry.

It’s the first English-language movie for both Borisov, 32, and Eydelshteyn, 23, who lived together while shooting the film in New York, and consider themselves brothers and best friends. Start the day smarter.

"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. India and P

Anora was the big winner at the Oscars, winning five awards including best actress for breakout star Mikey Madison, and a record-breaking four prizes for its director Sean Baker. The whirlwind drama stars relative newcomer Madison as a New York stripper who falls in love with the son of a wealthy Russian.