Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez.” She plays Rita, a downtrodden Mexico City lawyer who decides to accept an offer to help Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, set up a new life after receiving gender-affirming surgery.

Sunday truly belonged to a woman named "Anora." The independent film starring Mikey Madison walked away with five Oscars – the most of the evening – including honors for best actress, best director and the night's biggest prize of best picture.

With Anora and other recent winners in the rearview, independently made films aren't gaining ground on the awards playing field; they are the playing field.