Neon, the indie behind 'Anora,' pulled off its second best picture win thanks to branded thongs, pop up stores and sex worker screenings.
The article from MSN discusses the unexpected Oscar victory of "Anora," a film by Neon, a small independent film distributor known for its strategic approach to film distribution. "Anora" won Best Picture, marking Neon's second win in this category within five years, following their success with "Parasite" in 2020. The film, directed by Sean Baker, tells the story of a young sex worker and her unexpected relationship with a Russian oligarch's son, gaining critical acclaim for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of its characters and setting. Neon's success with "Anora" is attributed to their meticulous campaign strategy, which included leveraging the film's unique narrative and strong performances, particularly by Mikey Madison, to capture the Academy's attention. The win highlights Neon's ability to navigate the competitive landscape of awards season with limited resources, focusing on quality content and innovative marketing, thereby cementing their reputation as a formidable player in the indie film industry.