The cast and filmmakers of "Anora" took the Oscars stage after winning the coveted award for best picture.

Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Sean Baker accepted the award on the film's behalf.

Coco encouraged independent filmmakers in his acceptance speech, saying, "We made this movie independently. If you're trying to make independent films, please keep doing it. We need more. This is proof."

Quan, in her acceptance speech, said, "We made this with very little money, but all of our hearts. To all of the dreamers and the young filmmakers out there, tell the stories you want to tell. Tell the stories that move you. I promise you, you will never regret it."

Baker ended the night in saying, "This film was made on the blood, sweat and tears of incredible indie artists -- and long live independent film."

"Anora" won the Academy Award for best picture at the 2025 Oscars.

The award was presented by "When Harry Met Sally" co-stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.

Other films nominated in the category included "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez," "I'm Still Here," "Nickel Boys," "The Substance" and "Wicked."

Mikey Madison thanked her family, the 'Anora' team and more in her best actress acceptance speech.

"I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here, standing in this room today, is really incredible."

She also honored the sex worker community, saying, "I will continue to support and be an ally."

"All of the incredible people, the women that I've had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience."

She also praised her fellow nominees during her speech.

Mikey Madison won the Oscar for best actress for her performance in "Anora."

This is Madison's first nomination and first win.

The category was presented by last year's best actress winner, "Poor Things" star Emma Stone.

Other nominees in the best actress race included Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked," Karla Sofía Gascón for "Emilia Pérez," Demi Moore for "The Substance" and Fernanda Torres for "I'm Still Here."

Oscars host Conan O'Brien kicked off the 97th Oscars with a monologue that touched on this year's nominated movies and actors.

"'A Complete Unknown.' 'A Real Pain.' 'Nosferatu.' These are just some of the names I was called on the red carpet," he joked.

Of nominee "Wicked," O'Brien poked fun by saying, "It's the perfect movie for anyone who's ever finished watching 'The Wizard of Oz' and thought, 'Sure, but where did all the minor characters go to college? That's the story.'"

Touching on Oscar nominee Karla Sofía Gascón's social media controversy, O'Brien joked, "I loved 'Anora.' I really did. Little fact for ya, 'Anora' uses the F-word 479 times. That's three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón's publicist."

He then told the "Emilia Pérez" actress, who came under fire in recent weeks for past offensive social media posts, "Karla, if you're going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel."

Adam Sandler made a surprise cameo, bantering with O'Brien over his chosen wardrobe for the Oscars: gym shorts and a hoodie.

O'Brien then got more serious with a message about what the Oscars truly represent at their core.

"Now, for almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form that has the power, at its very best, to unite us," he said. "So, yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which this is about, the work continues."

"And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here," he continued. "I will not -- I'm leaving Hollywood to run a bed and breakfast in Orlando, and I'd like to see you there. But the magic, the madness, the grandeur and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever."

Before his monologue, O'Brien kicked off the show with a parody of "The Substance."