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."

Cynthia Erivo arrived on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards wearing a deep emerald velvet gown.

Erivo is nominated for best actress for her role as Elphaba in the hit film "Wicked."

"Wicked" is up for 10 total awards tonight including best picture.

Erivo is slated to perform during the show. When asked on the carpet what viewers can expect from her performance, Erivo told ABC News, "When you see it, you will know."