"Anora" received Best Picture and Best Director at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday evening, with its rising star Mikey Madison taking Best Actress.

Four-time Oscar winner Sean Baker and best actress Oscar winner Mikey Madison talk about “Anora,” what made Madison perfect for the role and how they honed the tone to the award-winning film. Matt Brennan is a Los Angeles Times’ deputy editor for entertainment and arts.

Since its inception in 1929, the Oscars have become the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, honoring the best in film. Over the years, the Oscars have evolved from a private dinner event at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to a globally televised powerhouse,

It's the second year the Oscars are starting earlier in the hope that the best picture award will be announced before audiences go to bed. The best picture race has been a real horserace this year, with “Anora” and “Conclave” scooping up top awards at other shows in recent weeks.