Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor

ENT

Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor
ENT

ENT

Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor

2024-05-26 04:36 Last Updated At:04:41

Sean Baker's “Anora,” a comic but devastating Brooklyn odyssey about a sex worker who marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, won the Cannes Film Festival's top award, the Palme d'Or.

The win Saturday for “Anora” marked a coronation for Baker, the 53-year-old indie filmmaker of “The Florida Project " who used iPhones to make his 2015 film “Tangerine.” It’s also, remarkably, the fifth straight Palme d’Or won by specialty distributor Neon, following “Parasite,” “Titane,” “Triangle of Sadness” and last year’s winner, “Anatomy of a Fall.” Baker accepted the prize with his movie’s star, Mikey Madison, watching in the audience at the Cannes closing ceremony.

More Images
Jury president Greta uring the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker's “Anora,” a comic but devastating Brooklyn odyssey about a sex worker who marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, won the Cannes Film Festival's top award, the Palme d'Or.

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, holds the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez', alongside Koji Yakusho, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, holds the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez', alongside Koji Yakusho, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and director Payal Kapadia accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and director Payal Kapadia accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas prior to accepting the honorary Palme d'Or during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas prior to accepting the honorary Palme d'Or during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, and Divya Prabha accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, and Divya Prabha accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Miguel Gomes, winner of the award for best director for 'Grand Tour,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Miguel Gomes, winner of the award for best director for 'Grand Tour,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from right, winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from right, winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the special prize award for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the special prize award for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, right, holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' alongside George Lucas during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, right, holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' alongside George Lucas during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, centre, is embraced prior to accepting the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, centre, is embraced prior to accepting the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, winner of the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez,' and Jacques Audiard winner of the jury prize award for 'Emilia Perez,' pose for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, winner of the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez,' and Jacques Audiard winner of the jury prize award for 'Emilia Perez,' pose for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from left , winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Divya Prabha, from left, Chhaya Kadam and Kani Kusruti during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from left , winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Divya Prabha, from left, Chhaya Kadam and Kani Kusruti during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

George Lucas poses with the honorary Palme d'Or during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

George Lucas poses with the honorary Palme d'Or during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, third from left, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses with Vache Tovmasyan, from left, Samantha Quan, Mikey Madison, Alex Coco and Karren Karagulian during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, third from left, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses with Vache Tovmasyan, from left, Samantha Quan, Mikey Madison, Alex Coco and Karren Karagulian during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker accepts the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker accepts the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Julius Tennon, left, and Viola Davis pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Julius Tennon, left, and Viola Davis pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Jacques Audiard, left, and Karla Sofia Gascon pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Jacques Audiard, left, and Karla Sofia Gascon pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, and Jacques Audiard pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, and Jacques Audiard pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas, left, and Mellody Hobson pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas, left, and Mellody Hobson pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kevin Costner sits in a car upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Horizon: An American Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Kevin Costner sits in a car upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Horizon: An American Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Director Francis Ford Coppola poses for portrait photographs for the film 'Megalopolis', at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Director Francis Ford Coppola poses for portrait photographs for the film 'Megalopolis', at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

"Me Too" director Judith Godreche, center, poses with hands covering their mouth upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

"Me Too" director Judith Godreche, center, poses with hands covering their mouth upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Grace VanderWaal, from left, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, director Francis Ford Coppola, and Romy Mars pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Grace VanderWaal, from left, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, director Francis Ford Coppola, and Romy Mars pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Shia LaBeouf, from left, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, director Francis Ford Coppola, Nathalie Emmanuel and Giancarlo Esposito pose for photographers upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Shia LaBeouf, from left, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, director Francis Ford Coppola, Nathalie Emmanuel and Giancarlo Esposito pose for photographers upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Kinds of Kindness' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Kinds of Kindness' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Margaret Qualley, left, and Demi Moore pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Substance' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Margaret Qualley, left, and Demi Moore pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Substance' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Meryl Streep poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony and the premiere of the film 'The Second Act' during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Meryl Streep poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony and the premiere of the film 'The Second Act' during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Jury president Greta Gerwig poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Shrouds' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Jury president Greta Gerwig poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Shrouds' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'All We Imagine as Light' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'All We Imagine as Light' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

ADDING IDs OF PEOPLE IN PHOTOGRAPHS Director Mohammad Rasoulof holds up photographs of actors Soheila Golestani, right, and Missagh Zareh alongside Soheila Golestani, left, upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

ADDING IDs OF PEOPLE IN PHOTOGRAPHS Director Mohammad Rasoulof holds up photographs of actors Soheila Golestani, right, and Missagh Zareh alongside Soheila Golestani, left, upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

“This, literally, has been my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years, so I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with the rest of my life,” said Baker, laughing.

But Baker, the first American filmmaker to win the Palme since Terrence Mallick in 2011 with “The Tree of Life,” quickly answered that his ambition would remain to “fight to keep cinema alive." The director said the world needed reminding that “watching a film at home while scrolling through your phone, answering emails and half paying attention is just not the way — although some tech companies would like us to think so.”

“So I say the future of cinema is where it started: in a movie theater,” said Baker, who dedicated his award to all sex workers “past, present and future.”

The awards were chosen by the nine-member jury led by Greta Gerwig, who told reporters she was “forever changed as a filmmaker because of this experience.” Gerwig praised “Anora” as having the feeling of classical cinema, saying it felt like an Ernst Lubitsch or Howard Hawks film that lead in unexpected directions.

While “Anora” was arguably the most acclaimed film of the festival, its win was a slight surprise. Many expected either the gentle Indian drama “All We Imagine As Light” or the Iranian film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” to win. Both of those films also took home prizes.

It wasn't the only jolt of the closing ceremony, though. Before George Lucas was given an honorary Palme d'Or, his old friend and sometimes collaborator Francis Ford Coppol a appeared to present it to him, reuniting two of the most pivotal figures of the last half-century of American moviemaking. Coppola, who earlier in the festival premiered his self-financed sci-fi epic “Megalopolis,” called him his “kid brother.” Lucas called Coppola “a big friend and a brother and a mentor.”

“I'm just a kid who grew up in a vineyard in Modesto, California, who makes movies in San Francisco, with my friend Francis,” said Lucas. “It's definitely a different world. I've actually never made a film in Hollywood as a director.”

“All We Imagine As Light,” about sisterhood in modern Mumbai, won the Grand Prix, Cannes' second-highest honor. Payal Kapadia's second feature was the first Indian in competition in Cannes in 30 years.

Afterward, Kapadia urged a wide understanding of Indian cinema, saying “there's amazing work going on in our country.”

“Not just Bollywood,” said Kapadia.

The jury awarded a special prize to Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig," a drama made secretly in Iran. Days ahead of the film's premiere, Rasoulof, facing an eight-year prison sentence, fled Iran on foot. His film, which includes real footage from the 2022-2023 demonstrations in Iran, channels Iranian oppression into a family drama. The Cannes crowd met an emotional Rasoulof with a lengthy standing ovation.

Coralie Fargeat's body horror film “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore as a Hollywood actress who goes to gory extremes to remain youthful, won for best screenplay.

“I really believe that movies can change the world, so I hope this movie will be a little stone to build new foundations," said Fargeat. “I really think we need a revolution and I don't think it has really started yet.”

Some thought Moore, who attended the awards ceremony, might take best actress. But that honor instead went to an ensemble of actors: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for Jacques Audiard's “Emilia Perez,” a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman. Gascón, who accepted the award, is the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes.

“This award is not just for me. It’s for all people who are fighting for themselves and their rights," Gascón told reporters. “We’ve been insulted, denigrated, subjected to a lot of violence without even knowing why. I think this is award is so much more than anyone could imagine.”

Explaining the jury's unusual choice of giving best actress to an ensemble, Gerwig said each performer was a standout, “but together they're transcendent.” “Emilia Perez” also won Cannes' jury prize, giving it a rare two awards at a festival where prizes are usually spread around.

Best actor went to Jesse Plemons for Yorgos Lanthimos' “Kinds of Kindness.” In the film, three stories are told with largely the same company of actors. Plemons, a standout in several chapters, didn't attend the closing ceremony.

Portuguese director Miguel Gomes won best director for his “Grand Tour," an Asian odyssey in which a man flees his fiancée from Rangoon in 1917.

“Sometimes I get lucky,” shrugged Gomes.

The Camera d'Or, the prize for best first feature across all of Cannes official selections, went to Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for “Armand,” starring “The Worst Person in the World” star Renate Reinsve. Tøndel is the grandson of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and Norwegian actor Liv Ullman.

Last year’s top winners in Cannes went on to considerable arthouse success and awards-season runs through the Oscars. That included the Palme winner “Anatomy of a Fall” and the Grand Prix winner “The Zone of Interest.”

Whether this year’s Cannes lived up to that lineup was a regular conversation topic during the festival. But it was a notably eventful Cannes not just for the some of the films — including “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An America Saga” — that screened but for other surrounding dramas.

After stalling for years in France, the #MeToo movement gained momentum ahead of the festival following allegations by Judith Godrèche against two prominent French filmmakers. She brought her short “Moi Aussi” to the festival.

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine were sometimes referenced in press conferences and in subtly symbolic ways on the red carpet. Festival workers, seeking better protections, protested during the opening night ceremony. The Olympic flame, ahead of its arrival in Paris for the summer games, stopped by. Honorary Palmes were also given to Meryl Streep and the Japanese anime factory Studio Ghibli.

For more coverage of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/cannes-film-festival.

Jury president Greta uring the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Jury president Greta uring the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, holds the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez', alongside Koji Yakusho, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, holds the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez', alongside Koji Yakusho, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and director Payal Kapadia accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and director Payal Kapadia accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas prior to accepting the honorary Palme d'Or during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas prior to accepting the honorary Palme d'Or during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, and Divya Prabha accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, and Divya Prabha accept the grand prize award for 'All We Imagine as Light,' alongside Viola Davis, far right, during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Miguel Gomes, winner of the award for best director for 'Grand Tour,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Miguel Gomes, winner of the award for best director for 'Grand Tour,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from right, winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from right, winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the special prize award for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the special prize award for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Neon shows Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, right, holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' alongside George Lucas during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, right, holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' alongside George Lucas during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, centre, is embraced prior to accepting the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, centre, is embraced prior to accepting the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, winner of the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez,' and Jacques Audiard winner of the jury prize award for 'Emilia Perez,' pose for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, winner of the award for best actress for 'Emilia Perez,' and Jacques Audiard winner of the jury prize award for 'Emilia Perez,' pose for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from left , winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Divya Prabha, from left, Chhaya Kadam and Kani Kusruti during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Payal Kapadia, second from left , winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Divya Prabha, from left, Chhaya Kadam and Kani Kusruti during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

George Lucas poses with the honorary Palme d'Or during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

George Lucas poses with the honorary Palme d'Or during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, third from left, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses with Vache Tovmasyan, from left, Samantha Quan, Mikey Madison, Alex Coco and Karren Karagulian during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, third from left, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses with Vache Tovmasyan, from left, Samantha Quan, Mikey Madison, Alex Coco and Karren Karagulian during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker, winner of the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' poses for photographers during the photo call following the awards ceremony at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker accepts the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker accepts the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Sean Baker holds the Palme d'Or for the film 'Anora,' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Mohammad Rasoulof accepts the special prize award for the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' during the awards ceremony of the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Julius Tennon, left, and Viola Davis pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Julius Tennon, left, and Viola Davis pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Jacques Audiard, left, and Karla Sofia Gascon pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Jacques Audiard, left, and Karla Sofia Gascon pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, and Jacques Audiard pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Karla Sofia Gascon, left, and Jacques Audiard pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas, left, and Mellody Hobson pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

George Lucas, left, and Mellody Hobson pose for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Kevin Costner sits in a car upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Horizon: An American Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Kevin Costner sits in a car upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Horizon: An American Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Director Francis Ford Coppola poses for portrait photographs for the film 'Megalopolis', at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Director Francis Ford Coppola poses for portrait photographs for the film 'Megalopolis', at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

"Me Too" director Judith Godreche, center, poses with hands covering their mouth upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

"Me Too" director Judith Godreche, center, poses with hands covering their mouth upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Grace VanderWaal, from left, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, director Francis Ford Coppola, and Romy Mars pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Grace VanderWaal, from left, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, director Francis Ford Coppola, and Romy Mars pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Shia LaBeouf, from left, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, director Francis Ford Coppola, Nathalie Emmanuel and Giancarlo Esposito pose for photographers upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Shia LaBeouf, from left, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, director Francis Ford Coppola, Nathalie Emmanuel and Giancarlo Esposito pose for photographers upon departure from the premiere of the film 'Megalopolis' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Kinds of Kindness' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Kinds of Kindness' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Margaret Qualley, left, and Demi Moore pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Substance' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Margaret Qualley, left, and Demi Moore pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Substance' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Meryl Streep poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony and the premiere of the film 'The Second Act' during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Meryl Streep poses for photographers upon arrival at the awards ceremony and the premiere of the film 'The Second Act' during the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Jury president Greta Gerwig poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Shrouds' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Jury president Greta Gerwig poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Shrouds' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'All We Imagine as Light' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

Chhaya Kadam, from left, Kani Kusruti, director Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'All We Imagine as Light' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Andreea Alexandru/Invision/AP)

ADDING IDs OF PEOPLE IN PHOTOGRAPHS Director Mohammad Rasoulof holds up photographs of actors Soheila Golestani, right, and Missagh Zareh alongside Soheila Golestani, left, upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

ADDING IDs OF PEOPLE IN PHOTOGRAPHS Director Mohammad Rasoulof holds up photographs of actors Soheila Golestani, right, and Missagh Zareh alongside Soheila Golestani, left, upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Alicia Keys electrified the Tony Awards on Sunday, teaming up with superstar Jay-Z on their hit “Empire State of Mind” and belting a hip-hop love letter to their shared hometown of New York at the top of the telecast.

Keys appeared at the piano on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center as the cast of her semi-autobiographical musical “Hell’s Kitchen” was presenting a medley of songs and then began singing her and Jay-Z’s 2009 smash. She then left the stage to join the rapper on some interior steps to wild applause.

Host Ariana DeBose kicked off the telecast with an original, acrobatic number and Jeremy Strong took home the first big award of the night as Broadway's biggest party opened its arms to hip-hop and rock fans.

Strong, the “Succession” star, landed his first Tony for his work in the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 political play “An Enemy of the People.” The theater award for best lead actor in a play will sit next to his Emmy, Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe.

The play is about a public-minded doctor in a small town who discovers the water supply for the public spa is contaminated. But his efforts to clean up the mess pit his ethics against political cowards and the media, leaving his family suffering. Among the people Strong thanked were the ushers and front of house staff who put up with him.

“This play is a cry from the heart,” he said.

DeBose, a three-time host, started with a nod to “Chicago” by holding up a newspaper with the headline, “She’s Back!!!” and then jumping into the original song “This Party’s for You,” which had a disco vibe with hip-hop elements and multiple acrobatic lifts.

The song was a cheer for those who sacrifice for their art and she took a gentle swipe at other entertainment types: “You’ll learn that film and TV can make you rich and make you famous. But theater will make you better.” She ended the song with a dramatic backward fall from a pillar.

On the pre-show, the play “Stereophonic” and the musical “The Outsiders” each took two technical Tonys. "Stereophonic" won sound design for Ryan Rumery, while David Zinn’s work on the show won best scenic design of a play. “Stereophonic,” a play about a Fleetwood Mac-like band recording an album over a turbulent, life-changing year, went into the night with a leading 13 Tony nominations, tied with “Hell's Kitchen”

“The Outsiders,” a gritty musical adaptation of the classic American young adult novel, also won two pre-show Tonys: best sound design for Cody Spencer and best lighting design for Hana S. Kim and Brian MacDevitt.

“Suffs” won the Tony Award for best book of a musical and Dede Ayite’s work on “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” won best costume design of a play. Jonathan Tunick won best orchestrations for “Merrily We Roll Along” and Linda Cho earned the Tony for best costume design for a musical for “The Great Gatsby.” The best choreography award went to Justin Peck for “Illinoise.”

The awards cap a Broadway theater season that had something for everyone — fun musicals like “Back to the Future,” sweeping romance in “The Notebook,” political rallying cries like “Suffs” and intimate ensembles like “Mother Play” and “Appropriate.” Filipinos took center stage in “Here Lies Love" and autism was explored in ”How to Dance in Ohio."

“I think it has been a year of real flexibility. I also think Broadway is in a time of transformation,” said DeBose in an interview days before the show. “A total of 36 productions opened on Broadway this season alone and each one spoke to a very different audience. I do believe that we are learning, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ So we are continuing to find our voice and who Broadway wants to be.”

DeBose has said she expects the show to move “like a Broadway show” — in other words, briskly and with scene changes in front the audience. “We want to give you a full Broadway experience,” she said.

Nicole Scherzinger will anchor the “In Memoriam” section and the late Chita Rivera will get a separate tribute from Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Bebe Neuwirth.

Two shows shared the most nominations with 13: a piano prodigy’s coming-of-age in “Hell’s Kitchen” and the back-and-forth struggles to create a rock album in the play “Stereophonic.” They are competing in different categories, best new musical and best new play.

Of the 26 competitive categories, two are virtual locks: “Stereophonic,” a critical and box office triumph, and “Merrily We Roll Along,” the Stephen Sondheim- George Furth musical that flopped when it premiered on Broadway in 1981 but is the strong favorite for best musical revival.

A case could also be made that ”Appropriate," Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play about a family reunion in Arkansas where everyone has competing motivations and grievances, will comfortably earn the best play revival award.

Looking to beat “Hell’s Kitchen” for the top new musical crown are “The Outsiders,” an adaptation of the beloved S. E. Hinton novel and Francis Ford Coppola film; “Illinoise,” the dance-heavy, dialogue-less stage adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album “Illinois”; “Suffs,” based on the American suffragists of the early 20th century; and “Water for Elephants,” which combines Sara Gruen’s 2006 bestseller with circus elements.

Hoping to knock down “Stereophonic” are “Mother Play,” Paula Vogel’s look at a mother and her kids spanning 1964 to the 21st century; “Mary Jane,” Amy Herzog’s humanistic portrait of a divorced mother of a young boy with severe health issues; “Prayer for the French Republic,” Joshua Harmon’s sprawling family comedy-drama that deals with Zionism, religious fervency and antisemitism; and “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” Jocelyn Bioh’s comedy about the lives of West African women working at a salon.

The leading actress in a musical race is between veteran Kelli O’Hara in “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Hell’s Kitchen” newcomer Maleah Joi Moon. On the play side, Sarah Paulson from “Appropriate” is expected to win the best lead actress trophy over a challenge by Jessica Lange in “Mother Play.”

On the men's side, former “Hamilton” standout Leslie Odom Jr. from “Purlie Victorious” is up against “Succession” star Jeremy Strong in the revival of “An Enemy of the People,” while Jonathan Groff is the favorite to win on the musical side for “Merrily We Roll Along,” competing against Eddie Redmayne in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” and Brian d’Arcy James from “Days of Wine and Roses.”

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

More on the Tony Awards: https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards

Alicia Keys performs with members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Alicia Keys performs with members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for "An Enemy of the People" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for "An Enemy of the People" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" perform during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" perform during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Billy Porter accepts the Isabelle Stevenson award during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Billy Porter accepts the Isabelle Stevenson award during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Celia Keenan-Bolger, from left, Jessica Lange, and Jim Parsons arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Celia Keenan-Bolger, from left, Jessica Lange, and Jim Parsons arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Rachel McAdams arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Rachel McAdams arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Angelina Jolie arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Angelina Jolie arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jessica Lange arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jessica Lange arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Erin Darke, left, and Daniel Radcliffe arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Erin Darke, left, and Daniel Radcliffe arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Cynthia Erivo arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Cynthia Erivo arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Linda Cho accepts the award for best costume design of a musical for "The Great Gatsby" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Linda Cho accepts the award for best costume design of a musical for "The Great Gatsby" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, left, and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, left, and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Noah Galvin, left, and Ben Platt arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Noah Galvin, left, and Ben Platt arrive at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Alicia Keys arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Alicia Keys arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Billy Porter arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Billy Porter arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Ariana DeBose arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Ariana DeBose arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Pre-Show hosts Julianne Hough, left, and Utkarsh Ambudka speaks during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Pre-Show hosts Julianne Hough, left, and Utkarsh Ambudka speaks during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Host Ariana DeBose performs "This Party's for You" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Alicia Keys performs alongside members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Alicia Keys performs alongside members of the company of "Hell's Kitchen" during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Joy Woods during a performance of "The Notebook." (Julieta Cervantes/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP)

This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Joy Woods during a performance of "The Notebook." (Julieta Cervantes/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP)

FILE - Maria Friedman, director of the Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” attends the Meet The Tony Award Nominees press junket at the Sofitel New York in New York on May 2, 2024. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Maria Friedman, director of the Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” attends the Meet The Tony Award Nominees press junket at the Sofitel New York in New York on May 2, 2024. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

Tony Award nominee Will Butler poses for a portrait on Monday, June 3, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP)

Tony Award nominee Will Butler poses for a portrait on Monday, June 3, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP)

This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Jordan Tyson, left, and John Cardoza during a performance of "The Notebook." (Julieta Cervantes/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP)

This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Jordan Tyson, left, and John Cardoza during a performance of "The Notebook." (Julieta Cervantes/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP)

FILE - Ariana DeBose speaks on stage at the 76th annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the United Palace theater in New York. DeBose, who hosted both the 2023 and 2022 Tony Awards, will be back this year for the ceremony June 16, and will produce and choreograph the opening number. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Ariana DeBose speaks on stage at the 76th annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the United Palace theater in New York. DeBose, who hosted both the 2023 and 2022 Tony Awards, will be back this year for the ceremony June 16, and will produce and choreograph the opening number. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

This image released by Polk & Co. shows Maleah Joi Moon, left, and Chris Lee during a performance of "Hell's Kitchen." (Marc J. Franklin/Polk & Co. via AP)

This image released by Polk & Co. shows Maleah Joi Moon, left, and Chris Lee during a performance of "Hell's Kitchen." (Marc J. Franklin/Polk & Co. via AP)

This image released by Polk & Co. shows Daniel Radcliffe, from left, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez in a scene from "Merrily We Roll Along." (Matthew Murphy/Polk & Co. via AP)

This image released by Polk & Co. shows Daniel Radcliffe, from left, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez in a scene from "Merrily We Roll Along." (Matthew Murphy/Polk & Co. via AP)

Recommended Articles