Every year, millions of people watch the Oscars, the famous awards by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They get excited about the best films and actors, talk about red carpet looks, and in the end, argue about whether the right movie or person won. But when the topic of Armenian roots comes up, many wonder, “Are there any Armenians there?” The answer is yes, we can be found everywhere—even at the Oscars.

One of this year’s most talked-about films was “Anora,” which made a big splash at the Oscars. It has bright visuals, a bold script, and shows not just family conflicts but also social and emotional differences between a Russian oligarch family and an American setting. The film is trilingual (English, Russian, and Armenian), which is unusual for Hollywood. This mix of languages made it interesting both for international viewers and for Armenians. Because of its many layers, “Anora” caught critics’ attention and won five awards:

🏆Best Picture – Sean Baker, Samantha Kwan, Alex Koko
🏆Best Director – Sean Baker
🏆Best Actress – Mikey Madison
🏆Best Original Screenplay – Sean Baker
🏆Best Film Editing – Sean Baker

Even though Armenian actors Vache Tovmasyan and Karen Karagulian did not get nominations, it was still exciting to see them at one of the biggest events in the film world.

✨🎬 Atom Egoyan: Armenian Identity in Canada
Atom Egoyan is a modern director who can create both art-house films and movies that appeal to a wide audience. He was born to an Armenian family in Canada and shook up Hollywood with his unique style.
In 1997, he received two Oscar nominations (Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay) for “The Sweet Hereafter.”
Even though he didn’t win, being nominated in two major categories shows his strong talent. Egoyan also directed “Ararat” (2002), a film that briefly but importantly touches on Armenian history. It’s another great way he shared our cultural heritage with the world.

🎤🎬 Cher: Pop Diva and Oscar Winner
Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) is a global pop legend, but she is also a remarkable actress:
In 1983, the Academy noticed her supporting role in “Silkwood.” She didn’t win that time, but getting a nomination is still a big honor.
In 1987, she won the Best Actress Oscar for her memorable performance as Loretta in “Moonstruck.”
So, she’s a famous singer, fashion icon, and an Oscar-winning actress. Who said nothing is impossible?

📚🎬 William Saroyan: From Literature to the Oscars
This might be a surprise. Most of us know William Saroyan for his stories that show a unique blend of Armenian perspective and human kindness. But did you know he has an Oscar? He was recognized for “The Human Comedy” (1943). In 1944, the film received an Oscar for Best Story from the American Academy. However, there is a twist.

The adapted script that formed the basis of “The Human Comedy” was actually written by Howard Estabrook. So, the version the Academy watched and liked was mostly Estabrook’s work. But in those days, the award was given to the author of the original story, which meant the Oscar went to Saroyan. Sadly, there is no record or photo of Saroyan holding the statue.

Where Is Saroyan’s Oscar Now?
In 1991, according to the Fresno police, a young man named Velasquez Jr. stole it from the writer’s museum in Fresno and pawned it for $250 at Max Kaplan’s Mission Jewelry & Loan Co. Kaplan never imagined he would one day own an Oscar. Later, Neil Smith, the Academy’s trademark lawyer, visited Kaplan’s pawn shop to see the statue.

“The statuette looked very worn out,” Smith said. “It might have been left in heavy rain. I expected that. I think Kaplan is an honest pawnbroker.”

Seeing Armenian artists succeed in such a major event brings pride and also inspires everyone who dreams of making it big in cinema. From classic figures like Saroyan and Egoyan to modern success stories like “Anora,” one thing is clear: Armenian talent shines on the grandest stages in the world.